Issue 4
Psalm
133:1-3
"How good and pleasant it is when relatives live together in
unity! It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head and
running down his beard and the collar of his robe. It is like the
dew from Mount Hermon, falling on Zion's mountains, where the Lord
has promised to bless his people with life evermore."
With the approach of the annual meeting,
I thought it might be a good idea to look at the idea of unity as
it relates to the musical world of the church. The text is taken from
Psalm 133:1-3. This text offers us many ideas about the importance
of unity in our congregations both locally and globally.
First of all, unity offers us the strength
gained in numbers. Trying to do any job in isolation is difficult.
Music requires different people with different ideas, one of which
may be the spark for your own creativity.
Unity also requires accountability.
Other believers help us along our own journey as we try to live lives
of worship and praise. There is an increase in wisdom and understanding
that can only be achieved through interaction with others.
When we are going through those dry,
difficult times in our music ministry, we can be truly refreshed by
those supporters of our efforts (loyal choir members, volunteers).
Just as we try to help our musicians grow, they help us grow as leaders
because we are able to try new and innovative things. As we disciple
each other, we will collectively bear fruit in our congregations.
People will hear the message through our song and we will all be blessed.
Finally, unity brings God's presence
in a mighty way. As we lift our voices together, God comes to us and
all who are gathered. In 2 Chronicles 5:12-14, there was such a sense
of unity among the priests and musicians that the glory of the Lord
filled the temple! What a service that must have been!
As we work in our individual music ministries,
let us remember that while we may have different ideas, styles and
musical preferences, the bottom line is that we are gathered to worship
the Lord. Unity will give us strength, wisdom, growth and bear much
fruit. There is a great song that says "Bind us together with
cords that cannot be broken". Let music be one of the cords that
binds your congregation together in unity and love.
Book alert - "Facedown"
by Matt Redman
This little book (only 100 pages) is a power book about experiencing
the wonder of God. Redman also explores the idea of returning a sense
of awe to our worship. It really requires a double read-through to
absorb everything.
Music idea - Do you sing during your
offering time? If not, why not? Try using a hymn of thanks, a praise
song or a chorus such as "And In All Things." The choir,
soloist, etc., could sing with one repeat and then the accompanist
could fill in if more music is required. After 2 or 3 weeks, you may
even be able to get the congregation singing along. We have so much
to be thankful for in our lives!
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