Blending

“I was asleep but now I’m awake.”

The above phrase is a statement I often utter to myself when I am not completely awake but want to be up and about. I also say it when I need to shake apathy off of my system so I can be keenly aware of what is happening around me. 

On a more serious note, still, that phrase has lodged itself into the center of my brain and surfaces each time I think of the image projected onto the screen of our lives who are self-proclaimed followers of Christ. I feel like saying, “Wake up.” In fact, I do have to repeat it to myself more times than I care to recount.

Why should Christ-followers wake up? 
What is the slumber of which I speak?

I know a term that explains it well and it is one which takes me right back to Biola Chorale rehearsals in Crowell Hall 122 at the Biola Conservatory in La Mirada, CA. The word is blending.

When I was growing up in Haiti, I did not really know what that musical term meant in light of a classical choral sound. However, that word came wafting into the air as soon as I walked into that choir room during my freshman year of college. Blending is this wonderful fusion of timbre, acoustical properties, colors, and energy that make a group of singers sound as though they were one voice. Blending transforms a choir from a group of random voices to a single, homogeneous instrument.

This oneness or fusion can only happen if singers learn to listen to each other and give up the need to be soloistic in their singing for the sake of something that is even better for the ensemble. With a masterful conductor, the experience can be fulfilling and exquisite. Thank you, God, for the Biola Chorale!

Yet, in the hands of an inefficient and ineffective conductor, blending can be enforced to such an extent that it could be disastrous to the overall choral sound and negatively impact the whole group. It can destroy the unique properties of individual voices, causing them to lose their very essence and sheen.

The same can be said of us Christians. When followers of Christ blend effectively, they can be winsome, fragrant, and attractive witnesses to those around them on God's behalf. To that effect, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, 

“Though I am free and belong to no man, 

I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. 

To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), 

so as to win those under the law. 

To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law 

(though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), 

so as to win those not having the law. 

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. 

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

As disciples charged to share the good news to all, we will be more winsome and have a far better chance at bringing others to Christ if we choose to understand the language of the hearts of unbelievers. 

How do we do that?

Well, we need to know their names. We need to seek to understand what is important to them. We need to spend time with them, treat them as people, invest in their lives, and lend a helping hand to them when assistance is needed. Since our identity is found in Christ and not in cultural matters, we can modify some external patterns in order to be more approachable – as long as we stay true to God’s Word. In doing so, we can relate to non-Christians and they will trust us with important matters in their lives, giving us clear opportunities to share the gospel with them.

However, the Bible also tells us that we can go too far if we are not careful. We must be on our guard because we can easily violate the tenets of sound doctrine in our zeal to “become all things to all men.” If we blend too much – becoming indistinguishable from the rest of the world – the unsaved people who need to see Christ in us will fail to recognize the very traits that set us apart.

This blending business is quite a balancing act!

Are people ever surprised to discover that we are Christians due to our thinking patterns, choices of language and clothing, and our actions and activities? I pray not. 


Romans 12:2 tells us plainly,

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – 

His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Now, as I make music, I aim to remember that God is the Giver of all gifts – including my music. I strive to be the best musician that I can be for His glory. In my actions, I seek to blend with others bearing in mind God’s perspective. Jesus came to earth and took on human flesh. That means He has blended His divine nature with our human nature. 

He has become one of us. 

He relates to us.

He ate with the tax collectors and prostitutes without ever losing His essence. He was humble, generous, kind, loving, yet truthful and firm. What a powerful witness!

I wonder if you would ponder with me:

Do you and I blend the way Christ does?
Are we so self-righteous that all people see in us is legalism and no room for grace and forgiveness?
Do we go to the other extreme and not remain true to our very essence?

Blending as a follower of the Way is a difficult task – no questions asked. Yet, “I can do [even that] through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) 

Let us not shy away from connecting with others who are different from us. Let us bring a smile on the face of the orphan. Let us clothe the naked, feed the hungry, offer water to the thirsty, wipe the brow of the sweaty construction worker, visit with those who are friendless, share a meal with the prostitute, feel the pain of the cancer patient, and so much more for many more.

Lord, teach us to use our influence in a quiet, humble, yet infectious way, to spark the curiosity of those who do not know You. Help us to introduce them to You – the Friend of sinners, the Savior, the gentle Healer, the King of kings. Amen!