Director, Please

Today I went to my kids' end of school year awards ceremony. Each class came to the front of the auditorium to be recognized for their achievements and their completion of a rigorous school year. Most of the classes had some sort of speech, Bible verse, pledge or something to recite. And we're talking LONG, difficult stuff. My second grade daughter's class recited the Nicene Creed as the teacher stood in front of them doing small hand motions to help them remember each word. All eyes were glued on her as she directed them. It was beautiful, worshipful. The words resonated clearly.

Another class came forward to do the Lord's Prayer in Latin. Another, a long Bible verse. Another, the Bill of Rights. In each of the last three cases, the teacher was either standing behind them at the podium or off to the side letting them recite on their own. Most of the kids knew their material, but what happened is that one side of the group was faster than the other, and the words were garbled all together.

It was interesting to watch, but the director/producer in me wanted so much to stand up and get them all on the same meter. The class who had the willing director AND who paid attention to her was the only one whose message was clearly heard.

I couldn't help but think about us as believers in the Body of Christ. We have a willing Director. One who never makes mistakes. And when we as the church pay attention to His leading, the message is clearly heard.  When we're all going our own speed and making sure our own voice is heard, however...then all who are listening hear a bunch of nothing. "Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah." (Quote stolen from Charlie Brown)

I want to be a part of the bigger picture for Christ--part of His massive choir making a beautiful song for Him. That takes intentional thinking on my part and deliberate obedience when I want to do things my own way.

Nope, I can't go it alone. I need my Director square in front of me and the rest of His flock to the left and the right of me. And together, all eyes focused on His hand motions, we will speak His voice for all the world to hear.