United

In 1958, while on tour in Boston, the Chicago Symphony played what their music director, Fritz Reiner, called “a perfect concert.” Waiting backstage afterwards, with tears in his eyes, he told the musicians, “Thank you, thank you! All my life I waited for this moment.”

This was a rare concert when an unusually high level of excellence was achieved in a performance. Although each musician was a virtuoso, they laid aside any personal desires and goals, and played as one, with complete focus and singleness of purpose.

An even more glorious moment took place during the ceremony dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem. This event was celebrated by singers and musicians, including 120 trumpeters. The sound must have been glorious! In fact, this did not just result in musical splendor but an overwhelming spiritual moment: “the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.” The Lord’s presence was so overwhelming that “the priests could not stand to minister.”

Here was a moment that provided an awesome foretaste of Heaven—where there are no egos and no personal kingdoms or agendas. There, everyone “will cast their crowns” before the throne of God. We will join together praising and worshiping Him, crying “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:9-11).

Powerful things happen when God’s people join together in unity. But this requires putting aside personal differences and worshiping Him, seeking Him, and focusing on His Kingdom.

Today, make sure that your focus is on God. Seek first His Kingdom. Put aside your personal agenda, and serve Him with your whole being. Join together in unity with other Believers as you praise Him.