My Dear Sister in Christ,

First, allow me to make a clarification. There is a great difference between “harmony” and “unison.” Sometimes we assume they are the same, but they are not. “Unison” means you are singing the same thing with others. There is no variation. It is absolutely united. “Harmony” is a far trickier thing. What you sing compliments what others are singing but is not an exact match. It may not even be a step above or below them in movement. You are not in competition to stand out or even to copy other parts. They may rise while you are falling, but the end result is a tune which blends pleasingly together. The best uses of harmony in song fill in different notes in a chord that could not be sung by one part alone.

We, in the body of Christ, are told to be united. I believe this applies to the doctrine we believe and teach. We recognize that we are all members of the One Body and that God has given us absolute Truth in His Word. No matter how much variation there is in backgrounds, social standing, personalities, and education levels of the members of the Church, they are brought together as one by the blood of Christ. Different perspectives on life influence our understanding of the Bible, but if we understand it at all, we understand it alike. The Word of God has many levels in depth of understanding, but it all comes down to the same standard of truth. The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is achieved when we stand together in love on what the Bible says (Ephesians 4:3).

At the same time the body of Christ is made up of individuals with great personal variation. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 describe in detail how the differences between us are really just opportunities for various service. A hand works differently than a foot and neither one can be complete without the other. They will not do the same work, but they must work in harmony. In a marriage, when husband and wife work together toward the same goal they occupy different roles and perform different tasks. They are united in their purpose and in harmony when their actions compliment each other. Members of the body of Christ are pieces of a puzzle that are not interchangeable, but vital for the value they individually bring to create the whole picture. One is not more important than any other, and so each must value the work others do and offer support and encouragement to them.

Harmony is not possible when parts of the group think they are better than the others. The things that make us distinct from others do not matter more than the things that we have in common. Ephesians 4:1-3 urges us toward the unity of the Spirit, but that is specifically said to come through humility and gentleness. Riches and accomplishment do not make a person more important than any other soul God has made. Poverty and simplicity are also not virtues in and of themselves. Only God, Himself, is to be elevated above any other individual in the Lord’s Church.

The recognition of value in variation should cause us to be more inclusive in our association with our brethren. This happens when we emphasize what we have in common and eliminate areas that come between us. Find activities that do not depend on spending money or being witty to engage with others. Be sensitive to the feelings of others in conversation. Those without may feel uncomfortable when monetary issues are discussed, but so may those who have an abundance. Our common bond in Christ and the undeserved mercy He shows us all are reasons to sing songs of praise. The Church is not a group of soloists or a show choir. It is as Revelation 15:2-4 pictures: a great crowd of the victorious, singing together the song of the Lamb.

Your loving friend,

Laurie Moyer

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Romans 12:16