Unity in Harmony

“May God who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.   Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”  (Romans 15:5,6  NLT). 

   I enjoy music, all kinds of music, but my favorite is four-part harmony.   One of my most enjoyable musical experiences was singing with the Tucson Christian Men’s Chorus many years ago.   We sang in four-part harmony, and even rehearsals were enjoyable.  We got to sing praises to our Lord in many churches across the physical and Christian landscape of Tucson.  The group ranged from 20 to 25 men from churches across the Christian spectrum in Tucson.  We may have been from a wide range of Christian churches, but we sang in harmony with no regard to denominational or non-denominational ties.  Our beginning song in each church was a rousing version of “Rise Up, O Men of God,” and it was well received everywhere.

   So why did I spend so much time describing my experience with this special singing group?   I did it to show how a group of men from various churches in Tucson could fulfill the verse quoted above.  We sang in harmony musically, and we talked together freely in harmony with each other no matter the differences in our individual church’s doctrine.  

   Participating in and listening to four-part harmony singing groups is a special treat for me.  Hearing a good quartet singing a worship or praise song brings joy to my soul.   Sometimes I close my eyes and it sounds like one voice bringing glory to our Lord, and my spirit rejoices.  

   I would that our churches would exhibit this harmony and one voice in bringing praise and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.