The Orchestra of Life

By Melissa Paredes, Associate Director of Education Programs

Post date: July 20, 2020

I love music. Music evokes emotions in a powerful way.

Think of your favorite song. What emotions do you feel as you listen to it? What draws you to that song? Is it the words? The melody? Is it a specific instrumental part that sends chills down your spine? (Okay, I’m letting my music nerd side show!)

Speaking of: I’m married to a self-proclaimed music nerd. He especially loves classic pieces with full orchestras, complex chords and beautiful ebbs and swells of accompaniment. While I tend to focus first on the words, he’s instantly drawn to the instrumental parts. He’ll pick out individual instruments (the bass, the cello, the trombone) and bring my attention to something that my brain hadn’t identified.

One line or instrument carries its own importance and weight in a song. But once it’s combined with the other lines and instruments, a masterpiece emerges. An orchestra working together in harmony (no pun intended) is one of the most amazing and powerful examples of what it means to work together with one mind and purpose.

I think that God’s kingdom is a lot like an orchestra. Each of us has a different role to play; we’re different instruments with different sets of notes on our music sheets. If we’re only playing for ourselves in our own time and way — like when an orchestra warms up before a performance — there’s dissonance. Disunity. Perhaps even chaos. But when the conductor queues the orchestra to begin the song together, beauty happens.

God didn’t create us to live for ourselves; he created us to live for him. And one of the most effective ways to live for him is to love our brothers and sisters with one mind, one purpose and one heart.

We all have a part to play in this orchestra. Mine will look different than yours — and that’s a good thing! But when we all follow the lead of our conductor, Jesus, beautiful things happen. Let’s surrender to him as he conducts our lives, our families and our communities.

Questions for Reflection:

• Think of a time when you experienced the beauty of working in harmony with others, each person utilizing their own gifts for God’s glory. What did you accomplish together?

• How can you work to not just focus on the role you play (whether in your family, at work or church, etc.) but also on the beauty of others when they press into their own giftings?

• What does it look like for you to love others with one mind and purpose?

Don’t forget to dive deeper into how Jesus taught us to love each other with one mind and purpose.

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