The Dot

Once again, music comes to my rescue in identifying ways to sow seeds of virtue into the common human experience. I was casually looking at a score and stumbled upon a revelation that has escaped my notice for as long as I have been studying music. It is the relational contribution of a simple, unimpressive dot to other symbols in music notation. 


Music professors and performers can talk about the dot in a multitude of ways to emphasize how important it is in deciphering, reading, and performing music. However, as I meditated on the dot this morning, a clear picture started to materialize in my mind's eye. Based on its position in relationship to a note, a dot can do two things that are diametrically opposed: 

• Lengthen or add to the duration of a note (called dotted notes)
• Reduce or shorten the duration of a note (dubbed staccato notes)

"Well, I knew that," each musician is inclined to say. It is undeniable that the effective uses of the dot have allowed composers, arrangers, and performers to offer such beautiful, expressive, and heartfelt music to the world. I am grateful for the gift of the dot in bringing exquisite music-making to the world through both dotted and staccato notes. 


However, let us focus on the implications of the action of the dot itself. To the eye, the dot is simply a dot whether it is supposed to represent a dotted or staccato note. It looks exactly the same; nothing about it changes in appearance. Yet, when it undergoes a shift in position, the dot can either contribute growth (longer note value) or it can call for a reduction or decrease (shorter note value). The importance of the dot is found in its contribution to the note that is closest to it. If it is placed to the right of the note, then it adds to its duration. However, if it is placed under or below the note, then it shortens its note value.


Let me suggest that each human being is akin to a dot. In relationship to the universe, we are small, insignificant, just like dots are tiny in comparison to the vastness of a musical score. Still, the Father thinks that we are significant enough to send His Son to earth and have Him die on our behalf. Furthermore, He gives us a charge to work/subdue the earth and to make a difference in the lives of the people with whom we interact. 


The more I think about it, the more I realize that every day I am either adding to the value of the resources entrusted to me or squandering them. 


I add value to my resources every time I choose to:

• love my neighbor as myself (partner with them, lend a hand, give a hug, share a smile)
• pray for and visit the sick
• feed the hungry and clothe the naked
• take care of animals and the environment
• practice the Great Commission (share the gospel with diverse groups, lead people to baptism, teach them to obey and follow Christ)
• encourage the depressed, downtrodden, abused, forsaken
• forgive and extend grace to my oppressors

So, that is an accurate picture of the life of a committed believer. Such is the way to put into practice God’s command to us to be fruitful and increase in number. His Word says we are to grow and multiply the resources He has provided for us. 


Unfortunately, I often do the exact opposite. I squander, deplete, or reduce my resources every time I opt to:

• put myself first and trample my neighbor underfoot (undercut)
• neglect to pray for and visit the sick
• stuff my stomach and discard wastes instead of feeding the hungry
• abuse animals and the environment
• keep the good news of Jesus to myself
• discourage, criticize, and poke fun at other people
• hold grudges and refuse to extend grace to people

A staccato creates a bounce in music. When we get under people's skin, then we are true staccati. We make people explode outwardly or inwardly. We irk, demean, aggravate, infuriate, or belittle them when we discourage them. However, when we are rightly positioned as partners in Christ walking side by side, we encourage, affirm, build up, uplift, comfort, strengthen, and empower them to do even more for the kingdom of God. 


Hebrews 3:13 tells us,

"But encourage one another daily, 

as long as it is called today, 

so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

So today, be encouraged by the words aforementioned and may the God of grace fill you with all kinds of wisdom and confidence so that you may increase in good deeds and faith in the knowledge of His word!

Father, please teach us to be true encouragers. Grant that every little word or gesture we use be a source of encouragement to our fellow brothers and sisters. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.