Spiritual Fine-Tuning

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1 NKJV -  “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,…”

Have you ever heard a discordant note on a piano or an organ?  It’s not very soothing to the ears, is it?  It draws attention, though, to the source emitting the sound!  Sometimes the poor sound is a matter of combining the wrong notes, the musician’s need of more practice on the song, or perhaps the instrument’s need of tuning.  Whatever causes the foul sound must be earnestly addressed if the beauty of the song is to be heard.  We Christ-followers are like an instrument requiring regular tune-ups.  We, too, must pay attention daily to what “sounds” we are sending out to onlookers, to those within auditory range.  Just like a piano needs regular tune-ups—due to changes in humidity or temperature-  by the use of some device that restores the truest tone  of each note, so we have the privilege of returning daily to God’s Word in order to optimize our behavioral “sounds,” preceded of course by our “thought notes.”  We can heed the call of today’s verse and fine-tune ourselves when we become discordant—as we certainly will on occasion, says 1 John 1:8, 9-- or we can allow our flesh, Satan, or the evil world system to lure us into misrepresenting our Lord and Savior to others.  (1Jn. 5:19)

Let us not neglect the spiritual fine-tuning that we are called to prayerfully seek on a daily basis.  Let us determine to yield both our thoughts and conduct to the Spirit’s control. (Gal. 5:16-18, 24) Though we will never be perfect while in these earthly tents, there should be no question in our heart or from others observing us that our highest goal  is to glorify our Lord and Savior, rather than grieve Him,  casting reproach upon His name.  How’s your walk with Jesus these days?  Have you submitted yourself to the fine-tuning process of His word?

Prayer:  Dear Abba, You tell us in First Corinthians 11:31, “…if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.”  Help us to be more willing to recognize our own missteps; this resolution alone will deepen our capacity for showing grace to others and improving our own track record of submission to Your lordship.  Thank You, in Christ’s name! Amen.

(by Denise Diggs)