2 Corinthians 11: 4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. (NIV)
Just beyond the checkout as we were leaving the store, there was a display of guitars, drums, keyboards, amplifiers, microphones, along with strings and other related items. There were neat little packages like a guitar and amplifier set or a keyboard with demos and lessons. By appearances these musical instruments were just as legitimate as any and would be more than sufficient for learning to play and enjoy performing music. What also made them particularly appealing were their packaging and price. They had snappy marketing with pictures on boxes that showed some famous artist playing what looked like this instrument, while the price was highlighted as being an incredible deal for such a wonderful value. For the person who had tinkered with the idea of taking up an instrument, this would appear to be just the deal, and there are probably a large number of them sold to casually aspiring musicians. It is easy enough to pacify the urge with not too much risk.
These successfully marketed instruments would appear to have all the same requirements of an instrument- strings, keys, drum heads, etc., and they might even look the same or even better, but for someone who will end up producing real music that is expressive and gratifying to someone beside the one plucking or pounding away, there will eventually be a discovery of an instrument that may have all those same ingredients, but is put together in a way that is quite different. The materials used are of a much greater quality and the methods employed to construct them demonstrate artistry and craftsmanship that greatly enhance and project the expressive efforts of the player. It might be possible to learn the motions and the theories of music on the cheap imitations, but to really experience the joy of greater musical expression there will need to be an introduction to a ‘real’ instrument. They might not be presented with nearly the same sparkle, but, oh my, the sounds they will produce.
The gospel of Jesus is a truth that is made up of the best materials and a craftsmanship that is unequalled. It is a simple message of hope, healing, provision, and salvation that is really capable of transforming the experience of life all by itself. While there is more than enough power in its simplicity, there are versions presented in snappy marketing packages in an effort to make it acceptable to the masses, the tinkerers and the casual passers-by. It may appear that there are all the same ingredients with a greatly reduced risk and price, and while it might be possible to start making some noise with these deals, if the gospel is to ever be truly expressed in a life, there will need to be an introduction to the ‘real’ instrument that will come with a much higher cost and commitment of time. The programs may be impressive and the personalities engaging, but until there is an old life given up for the new, until all of life is an expression of worship to the Master, then a sound might be made, but it never is really music. Once the true rhythms and melodies are produced in a transformed life, though, it will no longer be easy enough to put up with what the packaging promises.
My father tells of the person watching a true master producing music on their instrument:
“I would give anything to play like that,” is proclaimed.
To which there is the reply, “They did.”
Stephen Behrman pastors at Worship Life in Cedar Park, TX. With a background in music and worship leading, he along with his wife, Kim, are passionate about pursuing a life of worship, where relationship with God touches every moment.
http://WorshipLife.info
http://WorshipLifeDailyBread.com
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
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