UNITY IN DIVERSITY
UNITY IN DIVERSITY: A CALL TO ONENESS IN MUSIC MINISTRY
He reminded the choir that, despite individual differences, they are all integral parts of a single body, working towards a common purpose.
“Don’t think you are not important,” he stated, underscoring that each member brings something unique to the group.
“You are all different in outlook and approach, yet present here in the choir.”
This statement resonated deeply, as each chorister is aware that collaborative effort, particularly in music, is needed to produce great melody, as harmony is born from diverse but meaningful contributions.
Pastor Ibrahimo identified arrogance and selfish interest, as significant barriers to team progress.
“What causes disunity is pride and self-sufficiency,” he warned, urging members to set aside their ego and work collectively.
Drawing from Ephesians 4:16 and 1Corinthians 12:12, he illustrated the necessity of each member's contribution, likening those who fail to add value as “cancerous cells” within the body.
“If you are in a body without supplying something, you are causing harm,” he cautioned.
He encouraged the choir to embrace their roles wholeheartedly, asking, “What do you have, that this body needs?
“Each member has a unique gift to offer, and neglecting this duty ultimately leads to collective suffering. “Let us play our role to bring edification,” he urged, stressing the importance of maintaining unity through peace.
Correspondingly, the Patriarch emphasized the need for punctuality, stating that- “It takes high sacrifice to be in this ministry, as it will cost you time and effort,” he noted.
“Preparation is essential in music ministry; it requires dedication and relentless practice.
“Music is about training. It doesn't fall into place without effort,” he stated firmly.
His message was clear: if God has called you to serve in the choir, you must prioritize your availability and commitment.
Investing in personal development was another highlighted point he stressed out as being crucial.
Pastor Ibrahimo urged choir members to build their musical skills, whether through learning an instrument or expanding their repertoire with songbooks.
“Put money into your ministry, and it will prosper,” he advised, highlighting that regular practice and financial investment are keys to success.
In the spirit of growth, he welcomed feedback from all members, regardless of age or experience.
“I am open to corrections from anyone, even from younger ones, especially when such advice is free,” he said.
This openness fosters a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect.
Focusing on individuals role within the choir was a recurring theme in his address.
“Don’t let anyone distract you,” he urged, reminding members of the dedication required for effective ministry.
Each rehearsal, each moment spent refining your craft, is an essential preparation for the brief yet impactful performances you deliver on stage.
He also touched on the importance of building relationships, both within the choir and in personal lives.
“Every single person God brings along your way is to test you, as marriage is also meant to test your spiritual experiences” he remarked, reinforcing that unity and love should permeate all interactions.
The Patriarch motivated members to prioritize love and unity in the family, noting that the closest relationship that should be sweeter, as spouses gets older in it, is the family, and this bond shouldn't be taken for granted.
In this collaborative spirit, he illustrated the difference between mere contribution and true sacrifice, likening it to the roles of a pig and a hen in a farmyard. “The hen can lay eggs, as this is easy as contribution to the hen, but the pig cannot, as this comes with great sacrifice,” he explained.
Each member must find their part and play it fully, regardless of titles, as the essence of teamwork lies in shared commitment.
The spiritual father, urged Minstrels to unite in prayer, visitation and communal bonding, stating that-
“If you are not praying together, you may not stay together.”
The message from this spiritual monarch becomes necessary in a world often divided by differences, failing to recognize the trait of unity found in the trinity, despite their diversity, and epitomized in the singing ministry where the choristers and orchestrals sing and play different parts, but on the same united key, for harmonious melody.
This timely address and illustration, stands as a testament to the beauty of unity in diversity, calling all believers in 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲, harmonizing not just in songs, but in spirit, as we journey to uplift one another and ultimately reach our heavenly calling.
Written by Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi
~𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔, 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆
#InspiredJourneys
#JourneysWithImpact
#StoriesThatInspire
Comments
Post a Comment