Stop The Music

Matthew 5:23–24 “…If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

“Stop the music…”  That’s what she said.  I’ve been preaching in churches large and small for the past thirty-two years and this was a first for me. 

She was singing in a church where I was preaching recently.  She was bringing the special music.  Turned out it was very special.  After a verse and part of the chorus of “I Surrender All” she asked the sound-man to stop the music.  She said she was having a really hard time singing the song because there were things in her heart she was struggling with…things she needed to surrender.  She asked for forgiveness if she had said or done anything that had offended anyone.  Then, after wiping away a few tears, she began the song again and asked the congregation to sing along.  As we sang, several people came forward to kneel and pray and, I imagine…to “surrender all.”

I have a feeling there are many singers who need to stop the music.  …Many preachers who need to stop the sermon.  …Many churches that need to stop the service.  Too much dirt has been swept under the rug.  Too many sins have gone un-confessed.  Churches are divided.  Families are separated.  People are torn, empty, and hopeless. 

Maybe we need to stop the music – and before we live another day, go and make things right with others.  Life is too short to live angry. 

Stop the music - Get right with God and get right with others.

____________________________________________


Now…start the music.  Sing your song.  Live your life.   MM