Monday, September 27, 2010

Reading More than Notes


If…lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, do not give indistinct notes, how will anyone know
what is played?
I Corinthians 14:8

“We’re going to start a band!” announced my daughter one day when she was in grade school. One of them had a keyboard, another a violin, a few could sing, a small set of drums even appeared on rehearsal day at our home. An hour later everyone was gone. “What happened to rehearsal?” I inquired. “Oh, it didn’t sound very good. None of us really knew how to play the instruments.”

When I listen to my favorite music sometimes I focus on what is required to produce the notes I enjoy. My enjoyment doesn’t just happen. Before the music made its way to my iPod, there was an enormous amount of time, effort, dedication, commitment and practice.

I play the piano and sing but you’ll never hear any recordings! Long ago I stopped practicing and while I may still have the ability to sit down and play through a piece, the music isn’t distinctive.

The community of believers is full of musicians. Some have learned the beginning spiritual lessons reciting them as crisply as a “C” scale, but that’s where it stops. Others want to learn how to be a follower. Satisfied with rule keeping the music they make while clear is stilted never becoming melodic. Then there are those who want to live the Jesus way. Learning, practicing, feeling the music in their marrow, their lives become distinctive melodies that encourage others to become lifetime Music students.

Jesus, forgive me when I don’t take the time to
keep learning and practicing what it
means to be Your follower.
Help me to be a melody that draws people to You.
Amen.

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