Jesus Creates Harmony from Tension

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, it's worth remembering that we're celebrating God's true note, struck in the middle of all of our tension and noise: harmony from disharmony.

Our lives can make countless demands on our time, energy, and emotions. I know there are times that I feel like I've been wound about three octaves too tight, and doubtless the "music" I produce at those times can be more than a little off key.

Maybe that is why this example resonates with me. In a well-made instrument, each tension is designed to be balanced, to be brought into that equilibrium of forces capable of striking a true note. The simple fact is that we usually can't balance all the forces acting on us through our strength alone. Thank God we don't have to.

Trust the piano-maker, and learn to recognize His pull. Slowly, often painfully, he's bringing us all back into tune.

TRANSCRIPT: Oberlin College once gave an honorary doctorate to Theodore Steinway—president of the company that crafted the world's finest pianos.
The tribute said, "In one of their concert grands, 243 taut strings exert a pull of 40,000 pounds. Theodore Steinway offers proof that out of constant tension can come rich harmony."

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. A workplace also produces tension. Christians, however, know the piano builder. Christ promises, "Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." When we focus on serving him together, he makes rich harmony . . . in the high calling of our daily work.

You can find this video and others like it over at the High Calling Youtube Channel.