A Symphony of Worship
My Grandad played the violin in his youth, but he lost his left arm in the First World War and was no longer able to play. It sat in its case for many years until I found it in the dugout in his garden. I had lessons at school and played for a while in the school orchestra. In my dreams I was a virtuoso but sadly it was not a natural talent and I gave up. My family, I think, were quite relieved!
On New Year’s Day I watched some of the live concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and listened in awe to the talented musicians and it was fascinating to watch the conductor, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, as he obviously had such joy leading and inspiring the musicians bring the music alive. From the seemingly insignificant tap on the triangle to the resounding cymbals and drums, they were all essential - playing in harmony to lift the notes off the page as the composer had intended. At the conclusion of the concert he said “…only with kindness comes peace. So I wish also kindness in our hearts, kindness towards one another, kindness in accepting each other’s differences and celebrating them. Music can unite all of us because we live on the same planet”.
It reminded me of the song ‘Make me an instrument, an instrument of worship’.
We may not be able to play a musical instrument, but we are all instruments of God,
chosen by Him to fulfil His purposes. Paul instructs believers in Romans 6:13 to present themselves to God as “instruments of righteousness”. We were created to worship God, not just on Sunday, but to live ‘lifestyles’ of worship. In 1 Cor 10.31 Paul writes “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Brother Lawrence, a medieval monk, wrote about how he cultivated the practice of bringing God into his everyday activities and worshipping God in the mundane and seemingly unimportant tasks. The Holy Spirit enables us to honour God in both small moments and great challenges, giving us wisdom, guidance and power to do what is right.
The second verse says “Make us a symphony, a symphony of worship”. Each of us is unique and has been given different gifts and talents. No one, and no task is insignificant; everyone is essential, as in the orchestra. As we walk in unity and harmony together, we bring the ‘score’ of the gospel alive, so when others watch and listen to the music of our lives, they can witness the kindness that Seguin speaks of, but more than that, they can encounter the living God, as we reveal His love to a needy world. Paul prays : “May God…help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:5-6. Amen.
Hilary Smith