Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another.
For the past few days, we have been discussing the subject of Unity in the Body of Christ. The great Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans about this, and here in the twelfth Chapter, he uses the word “harmony.”
Most people think of this word as it pertains to music. Musical harmony is defined as the sounding of two or more musical notes at the same time in a way that is pleasant or desired. Two or more musical notes sung or played together in harmony are pleasant to the ear because they are part of the same musical chord.
A note not in the chord will be heard as “discord” and causes the listener to cringe, as it is not easy to listen to because they are not in harmony with the others.
There is nothing more beautiful than an a cappella choir of voices singing in perfect harmony. No voice stands out as dominant or louder than the others. While each part can be heard, they blend together to make one, unified voice, and like chords being played on the piano, it’s amazingly beautiful.
The key to making a cappella choirs beautiful to listen to is the lack of competition between the singers. They do not strive to be heard over the others, but seek to complement all the others, knowing that together the chords will become complete, and what the listener hears is pure beauty.
When learning to sing harmony, one must learn to listen for the parts of the other singers and cause their voice to blend with them. When one voice overpowers the others, while the harmony can still be heard, the blend is one-sided and not balanced.
The Body of Christ is to be like a beautiful piece of music sung in multi-part harmony. Although there are many notes being sung at the same time, and each can be heard individually, together they make a full and wonderful sound. Each part is important, and the chords would not be complete without them all.
I believe this is what the Holy Spirit had in mind when He inspired the Apostle Paul to write, Live in harmony with one another. Just imagine how beautiful the sound of the Bride of Christ would be to the lost and dying world if all the voices sought to enhance each other instead of trying to be the loudest voice in the choir.
God stands ready to ……....turn the tide
Singing my part, listening to all, Doreen
