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Theme of the Week: Know Who You Are
Patrick Kavanaugh
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God's plan for us
2 Corinthians 10:13. Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:12, 17-18
An acquaintance praised Johan Sebastian Bach's wonderful skill as an organist. "There's nothing very wonderful about it," he replied. "You have only to hit the right notes at the right moment and the instrument does the rest." If you've worked in today's competitive performing arts world as I have, you know such unassuming modesty is rare. The temptation is to make yourself look good by tearing down the reputations of others.
As a freshman in music school, I remember reading for the first time a statement by this unquestionable genius. Bach said, "Music's only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit." After months of auditions, rehearsals, recitals, and competitions, the simplicity of Bach's statement was a balm for my soul.
Bach's life was in complete accord with his beliefs. Only once did he actually take a job where his brilliance might bring him to the world's notice. For a while he worked as Kapellmeister of the court of Prince Leopold. But such surroundings were a distraction to him. He soon left to accept a lowly position as cantor at a church in Leipzig, once again cloistered in his unacclaimed but beloved world of church music.
—Patrick Kavanaugh in Christian History & Biography
My Response: How could I shift my focus from fame or fortune to God's glory?
Thought to Apply: Try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value.—ALBERT EINSTEIN (physicist)
Adapted from Christian History & Biography (Summer/05) by permission.
Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, grant me a clearer view of myself that includes both giftedness and fallenness.
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