Singing in Harmony

Did you ever have the opportunity to listen to a really great “a cappella” group.  I’ve included a clip of one of my favorites, Straight No Chaser.  The term comes from the Italian for "in the manner of the church" or "in the manner of the chapel".  It is specifically solo or group singing without instrumental sound.  It gives me such pleasure to hear the melding of those voices in tight harmony.  Usually one of the men sings the melody, while the rest fill in and support with the various harmonies.  Having sung alto parts most of my life, I sometimes felt like the plain, little brown wren, compared to the beautiful, bright soprano, peacocks.  Melody is the part that people hear and hum along with, while harmony can often sound like an unvarying  drone. But, put them both together, and the tune truly comes to life. God created all kinds of parts for us to “sing”, spiritually speaking.  Way back, in the book of Exodus, He detailed how the items used in the tabernacle were to  be crafted.  Some folks were blessed with talents to weave, build, sculpt and sew these precious pieces. Then there was the guy whose role it was to keep the “screen” door to the Holiest of Holies in good repair.  Not exactly a primo, or showy position, nor one that anyone would strive to attain, but necessary. Inside this place is where the priests offered the blood sacrifices.  Imagine how fly and insect infested it would be without that door. Now, in the body of Christ, there are also numerous ministries, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13.  Among these more showy jobs, are also hospitality, raising children and helping those in trouble, the behind the scenes ministries, that like harmony, add dimension, and completeness to the whole body of Christ. Don‘t ever get the feeling that your gifting is unimportant, just because it you’re not singing the solo. Every voice is vital. “All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27.