Hello Friends,

I was privileged to go to the WV Symphony over the weekend and was struck by what my eyes saw and my ears heard.  Not only was it beautifully performed and the musical sounds so peaceful, melodic, and entertaining, but it also revealed a more deeply fundamental lesson that we all could stand to learn or review.  Here were 75-100 musicians from all different backgrounds, ages, belief systems, political persuasions, religious affinities, and social status, yet they were not only getting along but they were producing something amazingly beautiful together. There was a sense of harmony and peace.  There was no discord, personal agenda, egos, or win loss mentality.

How did they do it?  They worked together for a single purpose.  They put the greater good above their own realizing that in doing so they would also receive the greater good.  Each of them had a role to play, a part in the outcome and every one of them believed in the outcome more than their input.  They embraced the task ahead of them.  They bought in to the purpose, and they committed to playing their role to the best of their ability for nothing more than achieving the purpose of a beautiful symphony performance.  Different people, different backgrounds, different beliefs, and different roles all working together for the good of everyone, even those who had no input.

What can we learn from this?  One we can see that these individuals in this symphony were operating under the guidelines God intended for His people to operate.  They were using their talents to collaborate with others so that together they could achieve more than by themselves.  They kept their eyes on the agreed outcome and realized that success meant that each had to do their best.  Not only did they support one another, but they were committed to giving all they had for the endeavor.  No one walked away from the concert knowing the names of one particular performer.  No one was talking about a single violinist, French horn player or cellist.  Everyone walked away talking about the amazing concert, the incredible talent, and the wonderful time they had.  Oh, if every person could grasp the power of together this world would be so different.

As I contemplated further, I thought if every church operated the same way, if every body of believers caught on to the power of together:  if churches united to further the Kingdom, and if believers banded together to spread the Gospel what a difference, we would make in this world.  Examples of cooperation would be front and center.  Needs would be met.  Joy and peace would spread throughout the land. Yes, this world would be a different place if we just loved like Jesus and lived like He commanded.  He told us to live peacefully with all men and then He showed us how to do it, equipped us so we could do it, and has commanded us to do it.  Wonder what I could do today to bring peace, harmony, beauty, and Jesus to the world?

In His Service,
Kimmy