Ruth and Edra have really blossomed in their pursuit of their respective instruments. There was a point when they were jealous of one another. There was a point when they practiced by themselves in their rooms at different times. I remember when Ruth first started and Edra hadn’t decided what to play—we could see her stress over sister getting attention and being excited about her violin. When Edra turned the right age for lessons, then it was Ruth’s turn to have to learn to share the excitement. Those sort of experiences of jealousy, being forced to share expectations, or having to watch someone else do what you wanted to do are always challenging, both in families, at work, and in the church body. Such is the reason Scripture reminds us so often to live in harmony one with another (1 Pet. 3:8), that we are to be of one mind, one accord (2 Cor. 13:11).

As our girls have developed in their lessons, it isn’t simply their playing that has matured. The two of them have learned and adapted to one another, actively sharing their respective roles. The violin and the cello were made to be played together; the treble and bass clefs are made to harmonize and produce something greater than their parts.

The analogy of musical harmony is popular for a reason: the Spirit-inspired Word chose the language of harmony to convey to us just what we should pursue in our church body. We are to enjoy perpetual training to be excited for what the membership does, for the mission work we have together, and for the roles each of us plays. The Spirit leads us to practice our gifts together and enjoy the harmony of Christ’s song within our fellowship.

The girls choose to practice together more often than not. They enjoy emulating an orchestra—and even give Hadassah roles to play a pretend viola or sing. They have begun living for the harmony. When I see that I cannot help but be convicted. How can we so too live for the harmony of the Spirit among His people? How can you choose to encourage someone in their giftings today, thanking the Lord for another’s role?

Pastor Chris