Issue 945 – Whole Song – December 29, 2022
I was sitting at my computer this morning humming. I have always appreciated music but am tone-deaf and have poor rhythm, a dangerous combination. How tone-deaf am I? When I did aptitude testing for the Canadian military, one of the tests involved hearing a range of tones (for potential sonar equipment operators), and the instructor said he had never seen anyone perform so poorly.
As I hummed, I remembered one Christmas when Kathy and the boys bought me an electronic keyboard and a harmonica. I worked hard on learning how to play, but I must confess that I’m not filled with an overabundance of musical talent. When I was in elementary school, I tried to learn the trumpet. I would practice indoors until my mom couldn’t stand it anymore, and then I’d go outside and practice until the neighbours complained. I never did master the trumpet.
With the keyboard, I learned enough to sort of play the melody side of some worship songs and hymns. Some of the time, they were almost recognizable. Just for fun, one day, I played the same tune repeatedly using all the various instruments the keyboard could synthesize. It was almost like having an entire orchestra (albeit a terrible orchestra) at my command.
In an orchestra, each instrument has its place. They have different sounds, but each instrument is needed to get the full effect of the music. If any one instrument isn’t there or is off-key, it’s just not the same.
I suspect you’re probably thinking that I’m going to talk about how all believers are part of the same body of Christ by now. An orchestra makes an excellent illustration to do that. In the orchestra, each instrument has its place. They have different sounds, but each instrument is needed to get the full effect of the music. If any one instrument isn’t there or is off-key, it’s just not the same.
One of the blessings of a ministry like Gleanings From The Word is the feedback I get from readers. Sometimes they agree with what I’ve written; sometimes, they are in total opposition. Either way, I know God has used my writing to touch somebody.
Sometimes people write to tell me I talk about one aspect of God, either too much or too little. I’m told I need to spend all my time talking about His love or more time talking about His wrath. I’m told I should never write anything that makes people feel guilty or challenges them to stretch out of their comfort zone.
These are all heartfelt people who write, and they are being honest in what they are sharing. They genuinely believe that I should be doing it as they have suggested. I am appreciative of the fact that they care enough to write and share their perspective.
But … and you were expecting a “but.” But you see, as a preacher and Bible teacher, my commission from God is to teach His whole counsel.
In writing to young Timothy, Paul had this to say …
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
I must unapologetically preach all the Bible has to say, even the tricky bits and the ones that cut into our comfort zone. I must preach all of what the Scriptures have to say.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Why do I have to do that? The Word tells me that God will hold me to a higher standard as a teacher.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1
If I fail to teach the whole counsel of God, some of the instruments in the orchestra won’t be there and you won’t get a complete picture of how marvellous our God is. Now, I won’t always get it right or the balance perfect; I am a fallible man trying to teach infallible truth.
So, by all means, write and share what’s on your heart. Share your victories, your struggles and your prayer needs. Love what I write or hate it; it means a lot when I hear from you.
Until next time, rejoice that God left His Word so that we might know Him and know what is pleasing in His sight.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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