Harmony

I did a little research and found that there are 28 cities in the United States called Harmony. In Fort Collins, where we used to live, one of the major thoroughfares is Harmony Road. There are housing developments called Harmony. What a lovely name!

In music, harmony means separate notes joined together that make a pleasant sound. In life in general, harmony means getting along well with each other. One definition I found was: “People singing in harmony are in tune with each other. Best friends should be in harmony most of the time if they want to stay best buds! Harmony is a noun that describes an agreement, such as in feeling, sound, look, feel, or smell.”

I love the sound of a choir singing in beautiful harmony. Congregations used to sing in four part harmony, but that’s rare nowadays. Too bad. We’re missing out on a phenomenal sensation of sound and a blending together of individual voices.

Remember in the book of Acts how the phrase “in one accord” keeps popping up in regards to the early church? “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch” (Acts 5:12).

There are several places in the New Testament that mention harmony. “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16 ESV). “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5 ESV). “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14 ESV).

“Perfect harmony.” Doesn’t that sound ideal? Is it possible? In a world full of conflict, even war – don’t you long for peace and harmony? Let’s do what we can to maximize the unity in whatever our community is. Our home, our church, our school, our workplace. We can’t do much about the whole world except pray for God to intervene in lives and call people to Himself, the author of peace and harmony.

War will continue until Jesus establishes His kingdom of peace. But may war not rage between us and our loved ones or in our community of believers. Instead, may we do all we can to encourage harmony. Can’t you just hear that beautiful sound?