The String Quartet

Imagine walking into a concert hall with the sound of music filling the air.  Beautiful strains greet you as the string quartet performs.  You notice each musician is concentrating on his or her own part, while simultaneously being aware of the integration of sound. 

Usually, the lead violin carries the primary melody while the second violin, viola, and cello are cast in supporting roles.  The violin may be able to play alone as a solo, but with the others included, a single refrain becomes delightful song.  There is depth and richness that connects with our minds, our emotions and our spirits.  Collectively, the harmony lifts our souls.

Supposing ,suddenly, one gets ahead of or lags behind the others?  What if the cellist decides to play as though his part were that of the first violin?  Quickly, the ethereal tune would turn to a cacophony of sound.

This picture is that of the Body of Christ.  As each person plays their part, the outcome is music.  Some have gifts that stand out or are more public.  Others play the supporting, behind-the-scenes, roles.  Blended together, it is a well-practiced composition, but if one tries to get ahead (because he or she feels more important) and another lags behind (because he or she thinks their function is less essential or wants to have a more prominent position), the work sounds either out of tune or lacking in synchronization.

Since the church is the Body of Christ and is representative of who He is, when there is only a soloist, the world only experiences one or two aspects of His character.  In other words, there is the melody without harmony.  The same is true when all but one are playing their respective scores – the music is deficient.

“Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many…. But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body….  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (Take a few minutes to look at the full passage in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27NIV)

When the Church of God performs in concert as an experienced quartet, the fullness of God’s love and care take on a depth and richness that changes the world.

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