It was way back in 1994 that Betty and I had the privilege of attending a “Tribute to Sir Eugene Goossens” at the Sydney Opera House. Sir Eugene Goossens (1893-1962) was an English-born conductor and composer. He was the first permanent conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Director of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music.

I recall how moved I was as I sat, observing and listening to what was taking place in that concert hall. My memories of that occasion have prompted me to write this editorial.

We were seated just above the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and were able to observe closely the participation of the musicians as they played their instruments. I was impressed by the close attention paid by the members of the orchestra to their leader, the conductor. No matter where the direction came from, his beating arms or the encouragement through his facial expressions, the orchestra followed every instruction. The product produced was very musical, through the harmony of everyone working together and trying to do their best.

This experience reminded me of a short motivational video that was used in training sessions at my workplace. It tells the story of an orchestra preparing for a performance of Ravel’s “Bolero”.

We see the conductor working with each section of the orchestra, telling them the feelings he wants expressed throughout the piece. We hear the various musicians practising and tuning their instruments. Members of the orchestra tell how they feel about the piece and what they want to achieve.

As you witness and listen to the performance, you gain an understanding of the results that can be achieved from people with varying gifts working together as a team towards a common goal.

Over the last few years, certain parts of our country have experienced devastation and destruction, with fires and floods causing havoc and loss of life. One of the consistent stories coming out of these situations is the great teamwork seen amongst the many service organisations participating in fighting the fires and floods and providing support and relief to those who have suffered.

When you think about it… Here, we have people from many different walks of life, from different towns and states, some professionals, and others who are trained volunteers, coming together for one purpose. The achievements of these dedicated people are now being written into our history books. What made these people do this? I believe it was a “burning” desire to follow the plans and instructions of their leaders to save property and lives. Their goals were quite simple and clear, and they worked together using all their skills to achieve them!

I can see similarities in the above examples to the message the apostle Paul was trying to get across in his letter to the church at Corinth. Paul likened Christ’s church to the human body, which has many different parts. He wrote that each of these parts is essential for the perfect functioning of the body. When they are operating in harmony, then the body is ready and able to meet the challenges of life.

Followers of Christ are called to show people the abundant way of life. More than ever, we, the church, need to work TOGETHER and in HARMONY for this cause with Jesus Christ as the conductor of the orchestra.

Do you know what part you are playing in this orchestra of life?

Bill Gillard