Unity and Diversity (Continued)

An orchestra is a wonderful illustration of "Unity and Diversity". A good orchestra is one in which each member is distinct, but cooperates in such a way to create a unified musical expression.

I believe God desires his people to be unified, but not uniform. Like an orchestra we are each distinct individuals with distinct rolls, who need to work together in harmony (pun intended).

There are some specific ways in which the members of an orchestra operate that can help us to discover how we as believers are called to work together.

First, each musician must accept and be aware of their particular role. Obviously each member knows that they play a certain instrument and that instrument requires certain unique skills. A violin is different from a trumpet which is different from a snare drum. Along with accepting the role of one's own instrument is an acknowledgement of its value to the entire enterprise. It is not helpful to think that one's instrument is more or less important than another.

It's the same with life. The more we understand our God-given roles and abilities the better the contribution we can make.

However, a good orchestra is not solely dependent on great musicians. They also need to play together. This is accomplished through the following three things:

First, each musician must follow the conductor. It is the conductor is the only one who is aware of the whole orchestra and what needs to be accomplished. The conductor sets the tempo and the tone. The conductor is the only leader. It at any time musician forgets this and takes over, disaster will ensue.

It is the same with us. We need to remember that only God is our leader. While we are all members of Yeshua's body, he alone is the head. He alone sees the big picture. It is only as we follow his direction that we can ever truly fulfill both our individual roles and effective take our places in God's community.

Second, while the musician keep their eye on the conductor, they also carefully follow the score. No matter how well a musician knows a particular piece, they must make sure that they are keeping in line with the music as it is written. While the conductor has the final say, he too is committed to follow the written music. If the music is not consistently followed, the piece eventually will no longer be played according to the author's intent.

As we follow the Lord, we must know the Scriptures. In our case, the conductor is also the author of the score. If we don't know the Bible, we will misinterpret God's leading in our lives, begin to believe foreign concepts and adapt ungodly customs. No matter how well we think we know the Bible, it is only as we keep studying it that we will be able to know and follow in God's ways.

Third, a good orchestra is made of up musicians who don't just play well, but listen to what is going on around them. This is essential so as not to clash with the overall playing of the orchestra. Hearing what others also encourages each musician to keep to the score and watch the conductor.

We too need to be aware of the other members of God's community. God does not call us to focus on him alone with no regard to our fellow believers. It is essential to stay in right relationship with our spiritual brothers and sisters. While they don't provide us with the direction that can only come from God and the Scriptures, they can help stay directed. And it is our love for one another that enables God to fulfill his purposes through his community.

Finally, an orchestra needs to remember that it does not exist for itself. No matter how enjoyable or fulfilling it might be to make beautiful music together, the purpose of making music is to be a blessing to those who listen.

It is the same for God's people. There are few more wonderful things than to live and work in harmony with fellow believers. Yet we do not exist for ourselves, but rather to make a difference in the world around us. We live on this planet in order to bring God's goodness to others. To loose this perspective is to no longer follow our conductor or the score he has given us to play.