In tune?

I recall a particular NOOMA film where Rob Bell says that when he thinks of God, he hears a song, a song that moves him, a song that has a melody and a rhythm. That people have heard this song across thousands of years, across continents, cultures and time periods. People have heard the song and they found it captivating and wanted to hear more. He continues by saying that Christ came to show us how to live in tune with that song.

Are you in tune? Are you flat, sharp, altogether out of tune or are your keys exactly synced up with the living God?

I've met many different people in my, as yet very short life. People from all different cultures, back grounds, world views, religious persuasions and creeds. I find it so interesting that on some occasions there seems to be more non-Christians living in tune than there are Christians. There are people out there who are campaigning for justice, digging a water well in Peru, delivering food and shelter to victims of natural disasters and I'm convinced that whether or not they know Jesus yet, they're living in tune with God. They have connected with the very essence of being a Jesus follower.

Any yet conversely, there are so many of us who claim Jesus as our rabbi, and yet we're a little bit flat on some strings. Instead of being eager to find some way to bring love to someone who needs it, to bring justice and compassion to the least of these, we're content to badger those around us on doctrinal points and whether or not they're adhering the type of Christianity we think is best.

I love theological discussion, I enjoy it in a very holistic manner. But if our mandate, our commission as Jesus followers is overshadowed by our desire to show other Christians how their beliefs are wrong, then we have completely lost the plot. We have become wholly out of tune with the song.

May we remember to check, and re-check ourselves to make sure that we're not off key, may we remember what our priorities are in this world that we're not here to win souls like notches on a belt, we're here to love, and may we live, as Jesus lived, in tune with the song.