When the Church Becomes a Symphony

A single vocalist can only produce a monotone. More than two singers singing in the same tone do not create harmony. However, a group of singers singing different notes but following musical rules (for example, the first, third, and fifth notes of a scale) can be in harmony, even though they are singing differently.

Conversely, a group singing without proper tonal rules creates a cacophony intolerable to listeners. Christ willed that his body “live in harmony with each other” despite differences, with all differences blending together to produce harmony.

The purpose of the church is to glorify God; they should do it with one voice, in harmony with each other. The Church of Jesus Christ is a symphony where numerous string, wind, and percussion instrumentalists join in the grand performance, watching as the conductor waves the baton. That director is the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ. Divisions, differences, and disagreements produce a cacophony—miserable to the ears of this world.

The church in Rome was led by men and women from both Gentile and Jewish backgrounds. Paul’s appeal to them is to produce a symphony that will glorify Christ.

Let us pray that the contemporary church will be united in singing the glory of Christ, a unified witness before a divided world.