WHERE’S THE PICCOLO?

Sir Michael Costa was a celebrated and successful conductor in England. He was recognized by others for the demands he placed on musicians to be accurate and to perform with excellence. In fact, many resented him for his adherence to high musical standards.

On one occasion, during a rehearsal of a large choir and orchestra, he brought the music to an abrupt stop. The musicians were puzzled until he shouted, “Where’s the piccolo? I can’t hear the piccolo.”

With all of the musicians playing as loudly as they could, and the choir singing as loudly as it could, the piccolo player thought to himself, “My instrument is so small, and the sound it makes is so insignificant, it won’t be missed.” But to Costa, the sound of one small, seemingly insignificant instrument, was essential to complete the harmony for the concert to be acceptable.

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, said, “Now, all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” Here we find him emphasizing the significance, obligation, and responsibility that each of us has to use our talents and skills to do the work of Christ through our church and its various activities.

One of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others is that we come out looking as small as a piccolo. Remember, the Conductor needs us to play our part to complete His concert.

Prayer:  Lord, we each play our part in Your symphony of grace. May we realize that if we do not play our role and play it well, Your Kingdom will be incomplete. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27