03
Living in Harmony
Rod ShimabukuroMay the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7
The Lord is drawing His church to attention - to pay attention to being a unified family. There is undoubtedly the passion and call of the Spirit to draw all people to faith in Jesus. Paul has grounded the church in Rome with teaching that points people to live by faith in Jesus and in unity with each other. For the glory of God, the church - HIs family - is called to live in harmony with one voice glorifying God!
Harmony doesn’t mean we all are “tenors, sopranos or basses.” We do not have the same type or quality of voices - neither do we gifts. This doesn’t mean we measure and compare ourselves against one another - but understand and live and serve together in harmony, as ONE CHOIR in Christ Jesus!
The song service we call worship unfortunately can become just that...a song service. A stage to platform talent, music, voices. There’s always been a danger among the gifted - whether in music, the arts, communication, leadership - to exalt the gift more than the Giver. Oh we Christians can mask our fight of pride pretty well - some better than others.
But for me, I want to and need to constantly challenge my heart in this area - the masking of pride. Especially in areas of my gifting. It is not my weaknesses I get down on myself for - it’s in areas of my strengths - or perceived strengths :) - that I must constantly keep before the Lord... so that I do not give in to pride and it’s poisonous, deadly consequences. I desire to live in Harmony with my family - the family of God - worldwide!
Dear Spirit of God -
I place my wicked heart before You - humbling myself under Your Mighty Hand. I ask for Your great measure of grace to be alive in my heart, as I confess pride. May I continue to sing, serve, lead and shepherd - in harmony with the Body of Christ! We are One Family in You!
