Harmony

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In Romans 15:5 Paul instructed the Church to "live in harmony".

I looked at several translation and at the original Greek text.

NIV...have the same attitude of mind
KJV and NKJV ...be likeminded towards one another
NLT...live in harmony
Greek...have an understanding

I find it interesting that Paul did not tell us to live in "unison" but rather "harmony"; being "likeminded".

In music, to sing in "unison" means to all sing THE SAME NOTE. However, to sing in "harmony" means each "part" sings its own note within a chord. When these notes are blended they make a beautiful sound. The more parts being sung, the fuller the sound. As long as everyone is singing on key (not singing flat or sharp) perfect harmony is produced.

Furthermore, when singing in "harmony" the singer must be mindful of the other singers if the parts are to blend.

In the past, when I have directed or sung in choirs, there were members who could sing a part only if they were near someone else singing the part. In other words, they were weak and had to lean on a stronger singer.

Singing in unison, while pretty, is not very interesting. Harmony brings the "color" to music.
At our church, Kay and I carry the harmony parts while everyone else sings in unison. When Kay is not able to be with us, while it is still lovely, there is a distinct lack of "color" to our music.

For years my husband could not hear harmony. To his ears male quartets were all singing the same note. I taught him to hear harmony and I will never forget the look of utter joy on his face the first time he actually heard it.

Let's go back to the idea of not singing flat or sharp. Singing flat means you didn't quite reach the note. Singing sharp means you went above the note. In the Church "going flat" means you aren't pulling your weight. Being "sharp" means you think too much of yourself. We can't have either if we are to be in perfect harmony.

We are all different! What a bland world it would be if we were all the same! We all have strengths, weakness and personality quirks. The secret to perfect "harmony" in the Church is for each one to work on his/her weaknesses (and not make excuses for them) while at the same time, bearing each other's weaknesses with love. And, as Paul also said, "Do not think more highly of yourself than ye aught."

Thank God that there are 12 different notes in music! C D E F G A B
C# D# F# G# A#. And some of the notes are referred to as more than one name so music can get pretty complicated yet very interesting! The beautiful chords that can be achieved combining the notes is seemingly endless!

Just think what the Church could accomplish if we all worked in perfect harmony!
There would be no stopping us and it would be beautiful music to the Father's ears!

Be blessed!

Pastor Jennifer



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