With a symphony! And my wife Judy says it’s OK. In fact, Judy is probably the reason I love this particular symphony. It is the Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3, known as the Organ Symphony. Judy has been a church organist for almost all her life, so naturally, I would be drawn to an organ symphony. There are only a couple of traditional symphonies that feature an organ, with Saint-Saëns being the most prominent.

Now, if you don’t care for classical music, stay with me. As I have listened to the Organ Symphony…maybe hundreds of times…several things have emerged as to why I like it. And these things have an interesting relationship to leadership, especially spiritual leadership.

I’ll have a link to a portion of the symphony at the end of this MEMO.

First, the symphony uses an instrument that is rarely featured in such a work. Something new. Something different. Something out of the ordinary. Isn’t that like our Lord? I think of the passage in Isaiah 43:19 when the Lord says, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?….”

Or consider the time David was in the pit of despair. In Psalm 40 he cries out to the Lord. Not only does God “lift” him from his pit, but He also does something more. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:3 NLT).

Something new. Something different. Something with a purpose.

The Saint-Saëns symphony seems to use all the instruments of the orchestra in prominent, distinctive ways. There is even a moment when the piano shines, though not as a solo instrument, but as part of the fabric of sound that emerges.

Often, a musical theme will begin with one section and ripple through all the sections of the orchestra. I think of how the Lord uses each of us in different ways to carry His theme of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. Each in our own “voice.” Each at significant times. Doing what only we can do under the Lord’s direction.

The Apostle Paul used a similar illustration with the Corinthians:

There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12 NIRV

Then Paul goes on to say each part is important for the role God has for us in order to accomplish His purpose.

There are many things about this symphony that are true of other classical orchestral pieces. There are loud passages of power and strength and soft sections of delicate beauty. All together, they form a solid piece that conveys the composer’s purpose and heart.

Our lives are not monotonous repetitions, day after day. We have high points and low ones. We have times of strength, when God’s power is shown through us. Other times, it is in the soft moments when we quietly exhibit our love for the Lord, the Author (composer) of our faith.

As leaders, we should recognize that not everyone is the same. Some have unique qualities that can carry the message or purpose in a special and beautiful way. They may not be the usual person you think would fit such a task but consider the use of a magnificent organ in a symphony. Unusual. Unique. Powerful. Different. But essential to the composer for His purpose.

And what is that purpose? David understood that the new song the Lord gave him as he emerged from his pit of depression had a higher purpose beyond his own pleasure.

Here is the full verse from Psalm 40:3:

He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

I wonder what the Lord wants to orchestrate in your life, your ministry, that will draw others to our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to listen tothe Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony, click here. And as you listen, see if you can identify passages that caught my attention. Who knows, you may find something new to like as you listen…and a new way to look at your leadership.

God’s best,