Tu-ba or Not Tu-ba be Part of the Body

“Just as each of us has one body with many members,

and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12: 4-5

Last Friday night John, Noah and I were invited to a concert by our friends Mark and Denise. We enjoyed a symphony orchestra playing classical music featured in movies. I loved it! And as I sat and listened to the violins and French horns, trumpets and percussion, cellos and a harpist, I thought of the similarities between the orchestra and the body of Christ.

Each musician comes with his own personal instrument, prepared to do his part in contributing to the end effort, a glorious song that inspires, comforts and entertains.

In the same way, each of us, as followers of Jesus, have been given gifts and it is our responsibility and our honor to use our gifts to contribute to the unity among Christ followers shown in the song of LOVE.

When I was in 6th grade I began my band experience with the alto saxophone. Later on, the band director, Mr. Z, switched me to the oboe, a very difficult instrument to master. The oboe is only a concert instrument and so during marching season I was asked to play the tuba. That’s right, the most unfeminine instrument, in my opinion. But I did it and actually had a great time. So half the year I played the oboe badly and the other half I played the tuba with mediocre skill but tremendous joy.

Looking back at those years, I am thankful for the lessons I learned about practicing, teamwork and doing my part. I also remember those moments of looking at the flute players and wishing I could be one of them. I remember watching the percussionists and thinking “if only.”

We, as Christians, struggle with that same sense of discontentment. If only I were gifted in teaching or singing. If only I were a Bible scholar. Such a waste of thought. We also need to stop the opposite. If only those Christians were more like me. Again, a waste.

The key to making great music is knowing your part well and watching the conductor so the music can blend into something beautiful. A trumpet player complaining that the drummers don’t play like he does is silly. A cellist putting her instrument down in the middle of a performance, simply because she wants to play the clarinet, is unheard of. And I simply cannot imagine an orchestra made up of only triangles.

So what is the instrument God has given you to play? If you don’t know, ask the Father. Find out and use it and offer it to your local church. Be a part of that body of believers, not just as an audience member but a participant. And today, perhaps your gift is teaching your children to obey or to rely on Jesus. Maybe you have been given the gift of organization and today God wants you to use that gift at your job and do it as to Him and not your boss. Or maybe, like me, you have been called to encourage others to keep looking at the conductor.

Christians, let’s come together and make some beautiful music for Him.