The Unheard Melody

I was in a Sunday morning worship service not long ago. The passion in the room was palpable as we sang with all our might about following Jesus wherever He led. As I closed my eyes, I immediately saw someone playing a gentle melody on a flute as they walked down a dusty road. As they played, various people began following, moving like contemporary dancers with graceful freedom to the inviting melody. Many people around them could not hear the sound; they just sat, engrossed in whatever occupied them. But the ones dancing moved as if they were one with the tune coming from the flute player. It was as if the music was part of them, pulling them in the direction of the music, and they couldn't help but respond. It was quite a beautiful sight to behold. However, I was curious about the others who were not moving or even hearing the flute. I immediately asked God what was happening. The Spirit responded: "Those who hear are following My voice to where I am leading. The others cannot hear the sound of the music because their opinions and judgments are so loud it is all they hear."

I immediately felt deep conviction from the Holy Spirit—a profound repentance for my judgments and thoughts being louder than the melody of heaven. I realized how often I say with my lips that I want to follow wherever He is leading, but so often, when He is beckoning me to certain people, places, or even certain ways of thinking, I can't respond or hear because of my own self-soothing refrain. Full disclosure..many of my judgments and opinions are about the people in the Christian faith community. Yikes! Many opinions I have formed are rooted in my unfound confidence that I know what His plans are for His Church. I have allowed my own ideas about God's will to become louder than His voice. I cannot hear Him coaxing me toward people He longs for me to know. I truly want to respond with my whole self to the song of the Spirit; I want to hear His heart and not be distracted by the clang of my own opinions. There is deep sacrifice that requires self-awareness in response to the rhythm of the Kingdom, and I hope to be humble enough to hear its alluring, gentle sound.