The Gift of Music/Instrumental (15)
A gifted story: He is an accomplished flutist. In fact, he teaches
flute at the university. It would be fair to call Paul a professional.
In his concerts he is appreciated for his fine performances. Some
would call it a miracle that Paul, a sickly boy who took up the flute
because the doctor thought it might help him build up his lung capacity,
can play so beautifully. Maybe that is why he loves to fill a church
with his free-flowing and personal rendition of Amazing Grace. People
have been known to weep as the notes escalate up and descend down
the scale, "I once was lost and now am saved…" The
words come to mind as the sound penetrates the air. "He has
a gift," people say. Indeed he does, a spiritual gift of instrumental
music.
Biblical references:
1 Sam. 16:23 - From then on, whenever the evil spirit sent by God
came on Saul, David would get his harp and play it. The evil spirit would
leave, and Saul would feel better and be all right again.
Psalm 33:1-3 (Exultate, justi) - Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous;
it is good for the just to sing praises. Praise the Lord with the harp;
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre. Sing for him a new song; sound
a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
Psaml 150 - (Laudata Dominum) Hallelujah! Praise God in his
holy temple; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for
his
mighty acts; praise him for his excellent greatness. Praise him with
the blast of the ram’s-horn; praise him with the lyre and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe.
Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!
Definition and comment:
The gift of instrumental music: the special gift whereby the Spirit enables
certain Christians to praise God through instrumental music in such a
way as to enhance the worship experience of other believers. It gives
the believer the desire and capability to express personal faith and
provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument.
Like the gift of vocal music, the key to understanding this gift is not
so much the beautiful sounds or the skill with which the notes are delivered,
but the inspiration behind the delivery. The spiritual aspect of the
gift is revealed as the gift bearer gives witness to love and praise
for the Lord, and thus glorifies God. Listeners become inspired to feel
the presence and majesty of God when music uplifts their soul in a manner
that brings them closer to their Lord.
It takes years of learning and practice to develop a talent for playing
a musical instrument into a level of skill at a performance level. Sheer
determination and hard work on the part of the person are requisites
for accomplishment. Once achieved, the instrumentalist is able to perform
to great effect and enjoyment of audiences. Spiritual giftedness comes
into play only in those cases where there is a deep desire to use the
accomplishment thus attained in a manner that glorifies God. There is
recognition that God provided the initial ability and a drive to use
it to witness faith - to bring others to understand the love and
presence of God.
Affirm that you have this gift; questions to ask yourself:
-
When you play your instrument, do you feel the
presence of God?
-
Do you see your ability to play an instrument as
your means of sharing God with others?
-
Do you feel that your
music helps people get in touch with their emotions in a helpful
way?
-
Do you sense a gifted power and ease in playing
your instrument that at times seems to transcend your own capabilities?
-
Were your talents in music evident even at an
early age?
Areas for study and personal growth:
-
Proficiency with your instrument is obviously very
important. Are you giving yourself adequate time to practice? Are
you able to consider
further lessons to enhance your skills? Is your instrument in good
condition, or are you in need of a better quality instrument?
-
Knowing
where you can make a contribution with your instrument
is something you will have to determine yourself as most members
of the
congregation (pastor included) will not know of your proficiency
or willingness to play. Make your willingness to perform known
to the music director,
and look for ways that your gift might be utilized within the church
to glorify God and inspire others to know of God’s love and
presence.
-
Strengthen the tie between your playing and your
prayer life so that your playing will become an act of prayer for
God’s
glory. Meditate on why you have been given this gift, and seek
to use it
in ways you
believe fulfill its purpose in you.
-
There are many references
to music in scripture, especially in the Psalms. Spend time
internalizing the Psalms so that they
become familiar
examples to you of how music is used to praise God.
-
Begin
gathering a music library of spiritual songs that you know
and can play from memory. Use this repertoire when
providing
accompaniment
for songfests or evening home sings. Work with people
gifted in singing to develop musical programs and special performances.
Record
your music
on tapes for the shut in.
General ways to use the gift of music/instrumental:
-
Personally: help family and friends learn how
to appreciate music as an important component in a balanced life;
teach others how music uplifts
the soul.
-
Within the church: assist the choir on special
occasions; be a music leader (see more specific church service
opportunities
in the Booklet
Channels for Using the Gifts).
-
Within the wider community: play
in an ensemble for performances of religious works.
For reflection:
Music played instrumentally brings out emotions within us that are
an important part of our essence as human beings. We thus renew the
discovery
that our souls can be stirred by beauty in a cleansing way. When you
exercise your gift you bring balm to harried souls in need of a touch
of God’s peace. As a musician you have learned how to entertain
with your music. The added dimension your spiritual gift offers is a
quality of love from God, an outreaching from him through your music.
In your playing you become his instrument of peace.
Music is part of God’s nature. He has inspired great composers
throughout the ages to blend the sounds of musical instruments in moving
ways. He has inspired craftsmen to build many fine instruments. And he
has given musicians talent to use the fruits of the composer and craftsman
to fill the air with heart-gladdening sounds. And to some he adds a special
quality of sweetness and power, a richness and sensitivity, a depth and
exquisiteness. They combine in a glorious manner to lift the listener
above the worldly plain for a time, suspended by God’s grace in
your hands.
Made in the image of God, though man may not realize it, he has in his
heart the capacity, indeed the need, to be lifted in music. Through you
God will fill that need and draw both the listener and instrumentalist
ever closer to him.
Make a joyful sound unto the Lord!
|