March 04 - Living for His Glory

"O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth;" - Psalm 108:1-5

Just as God's glory pervades His creation, music, one of His greatest gifts to us, is ever-present in our lives: in our worship; in all forms of media and entertainment; and in virtually every culture across the globe. Music is a chief tool through which we are ushered into God's presence by offering Him praise and adoration. Music points us to Him. It belongs to Him and we are His stewards of this glorious gift.

Simone de Guillar was well known in the European town where he served as organist and music master for the local cathedral. He not only wrote and performed new music weekly for church services, he led the choir and trained young people as choristers. He was generous with his gifts and for years was beloved for the way he reflected the glory of God in his music and in his relationships with the townspeople.

At age thirty Simone, a contemporary of J.S. Bach, traveled to hear the great master and was awed by his virtuosity and great depth of expression from the organ console. Upon his return the townspeople and fellows at the cathedral noticed a drastic change in Simone's mood and behavior. Gone were the contributions of music and fellowship, gone was the genial demeanor and helpful mentor. Simone had withdrawn from his public life and ministry and secretly commenced work on what he was sure would be the masterpiece that would showcase his skill as a composer and performer. He was so single-minded in this pursuit that he failed to care for his wife. His colleagues at the cathedral were caught at odds trying to provide and lead music for worship services.

Several months later, after wrecking every relationship and nearly abandoning his ministry through music, Simone announced a public concert for the debut of his masterpiece. The entire town was in attendance, for despite the coldness of recent months he had been well loved. Seated at the organ Simone began the performance with a thunderous chord. It was followed by lengthy trills, runs, and ornamented themes that were powerful and technically perfect. The musician anticipated the ovation before he reached the frenzied cadenza into the final cadence. He leapt to his feet expectantly only to be greeted by an awkward silence and halting applause.

Devastated he returned home and prayed desperately for some understanding of the rejection. He came to understand the self-centeredness of the piece and with his family around him he realized that His service to God had been completely absent from the endeavor. He realized that he had abandoned his quest to serve others for God's glory for the sake of his own greed and ego leaving the composition vain, and void of merit. Yet, in His mercy God restored Simone. He enjoyed renewed creativity and rich relationships as he continued to minister to God's people.

Simone's story is not simply about music but is about his heart. It is a relevant, but cautionary tale as we think about our own stewardship in life; a stewardship of Gods glory. Worship leader David Hampton reminds us in his worship song "Lord, for Your Glory" that we must give our hearts, our lives, and all that we are for His glory. He will be exalted! May we have hearts that rejoice and give freely to Christ from all that He has given us.

- William Harper