Saturday, September 12, 2009
Romans 15:5-6 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
FOR THE LOVE OF FELLOWSHIP: THE SOUND OF HARMONY
We might agree that the music industry these days is pretty ruthless. The standard for success is no less than perfection. If a group is off key or can't perform under the pressure, they will not get a whole lot of attention.
Think of the Roman Empire with all of its false gods and its severe Christian persecution at the time that Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome itself. It makes the times we live in today look pretty tame in comparison. But similarly, like the Roman Christians of those days, our faith has very deadly outside influences that would lead us to sing a different tune than Christ's. Influences that the devil and his fallen angels craftily use to ultimately lead us away from Christ our Savior.
The Greek word here in this verse for "like-minded" could be similarly translated "harmonious." This is fitting, since God desires perfection from us not only as individuals but also as groups of believers. Though our conduct in life so often comes up as "sharp" or "flat," Jesus lovingly forgives and continues to correct us as our Choir Director. He teaches us to sing according to His direction and according to His perfect standard of harmony.
As undeserving participants in the Lord's choir of believers, it is with joy each day we sing and praise our Lord with His words and His tune from the Holy Bible. Let us continue with His strength to strive to abide by His Word alone so that we may "with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
