The sweet strains of orchestral music; it can be
hunting and it can be vibrant. Slow and contemplative music can be quickly
replaced by a rapid succession of sweet, imaginative notes. A concert can take
the listener on a trip through various moods and escalating emotions. The
variety of instruments beautifully join together to create a master
presentation that will have a unique, lasting effect on each listener.
In an orchestra each instrument has its own history
and purpose. Consider the cello, for instance. Once this fine musical
instrument was merely a piece of wood. Then someone with a vision carefully
carved, formed molded and polished it into a beautiful instrument from which
would come lovely music. Once perfectly made, it is taken up by the hands of a
masterful musician that can bring forth its beautiful sound. The music of the
cello will weave its way amid the other beautiful instruments in the orchestra.
When occasion arises, it can actually be a featured, solo instrument where it
will shine about the rest. Long after the lights go out on that music hall,
memories will remain of the intricate combinations of notes and instruments
that formed the concert.
The body of Christ is much like a magnificent
orchestra. With a variety of members working together we can produce a
beautiful sound to those who would hear a message of God’s love. Strains of
this message may sometimes be corrective and other times cheering one on. They
can move slowly as we linger in the presence of a loving Father and they can
race forth jubilantly in the celebration of all that God has done in our lives.
Many members, working together as one body, can present a united message that
will have its unique effect on each person who hears it.
As each instrument is unique to its own size, shape
and sound; so each individual has its own unique beginnings, abilities and
place as a member in the body of Christ. Like the cello mentioned above, each
of us have been uniquely formed by our Creator. Scripture tells us that we had
been formed from the ground. “Then the Lord God formed man from
the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a
living being.”
(Genesis 2:7 AMP) There is nothing
special about the materials from which we had been made, yet “God
created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created
them.” (Genesis 1:27 AMP) We are in
His very image.
The Lord had
a vision for each and every one of our lives before we were even born. King
David wrote, “Your eyes saw my unformed
substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever
they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16 AMP) God not only formed us but
planned out our entire lives. David goes on to write, “How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the
sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17 AMP) Those
thoughts entailed the uniqueness that God has intended for each of His
children.
Each of us
had been created with a unique set of talents, gifts and abilities. “Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments
(gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the
power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they
vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same.” (1 Corinthians 12:4 AMP) We each have a specific part to play and we must
do it with all of our might. “As
each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious
divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's
many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts
granted to Christians by unmerited favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP)
We are able
to excel when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. God carefully
crafted us and is happy with His work. “And
God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable,
pleasant) and He approved it
completely.” Genesis
1:31 (AMP) Now the Lord wishes to work out His plan in each of us.
“[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the
while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and
desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and
delight.” (Philippians 2:13 AMP)
Like the
cello in the orchestra we must fill our spots. We may be playing softly behind
others who have more intricate parts, or we may have a lead, solo role. In all
things we cooperate with and allow the Master Musician to play His song through
us. “Whatever may be your task, work at
it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”
(Colossians 3:23 AMP) We will
create the beautiful song of God’s love. Those who hear it will be blessed.
Live life knowing
where you came from and appreciating the Creator who had a beautiful vision for
your life and crafted you in the image of God.
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