Making a Joyful Noise

Romans 6:13

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

When I was 9 years old, I received a piano, I got signed up for lessons and began learning to play. It was quickly that I realized I was not going to be able to just sit down and play any ole song I liked. There was steady practice involved with lots and lots of scales. Oh, the scales! For me to get better though, I had to show up for each lesson, and I also needed to practice during the week. As time went by, I began to actually do well with the scales and learned to play pretty songs.

One thing about playing an instrument I found is that it never had any feelings about me playing it. What I mean by this, is that it was a thing that I put my hands on and it made music with each stroke of the keys. Feelings were never involved, atleast for the piano.

When I read this passage of scripture, I find that there is a word that goes along with this instrument it speaks of. The word "offer" is used 3 times, so that's got to be important, right? My piano never had to offer itself to me, it was always there. We are an instrument that has a living soul and thus we have a mind, emotions and decisions we can make. Think about this...the maestro or musician, namely, Jesus Christ, wants to play his instruments (his children) everyday. How do you think this happens?

Here's a thought...

In the morning, we wake up, and say "good morning, I'm here and ready for every tune you want to play today, Lord". This is how we offer ourselves to Him. It's really just a simple heart attitude toward our Father. Then, He will sometimes play soft music, other times he may take a rest, then other times he may bring in other instruments. Just like a concert. I don't know if you've ever thought about this like I'm describing, but it's kinda fun. The next time you look at a sheet of music, you will see that there are so many options for a complete and harmoneous song to be played.

One final thought, I can choose to offer myself as an instrument to God or I can choose to play my own tune. Even the "triangle" has a perfect spot in a band, that when called upon adds much to the song. But, if the triangle wants to only be a soloist, it can become just a loud clangy noise, that takes away from the other instruments, instead of adding something beautiful.

May His song be an opportunity for us to be apart of what He wants played today.

All glory and honor to Him!

2 Chronicles 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;