My wife is a piano teacher. She is always so serious and so strict that the students should play according to the music (the original version the composer wants it to be). If the student plays too fast, too slow, too hard or too soft. That is not the right version supposed to be. It would be totally out of tone and ugly to hear. Therefore she would ask or even yell if the student plays according to her instructions. For a duet playing, it is even more challenging. Two people must be in the same mind and understand the music well, so each one will hit the right note at the right time and they are in sync.
Our life in Jesus is much more like a duet than a solo performance. Many times I forget that He’s “sitting next to me,” and it’s only by His power and guidance that I can “play” at all. I try to hit all the right notes on my own – to obey God in my own strength, but this usually ends up seeming fake and hollow. I try to handle problems in my own ways, but the result is often discord with others.
My Teacher’s presence makes all the difference. When I rely on Jesus to help me, I find my life is more in sync with Him. I serve joyfully, love freely, and am amazed as God blesses my relationships. It’s like Jesus told His first disciples, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In each day we play a duet with our good Teacher – it’s His grace and power that carry the melody of our spiritual lives.