Ring Your Bell

Do you remember being in junior high or high school and watching students perform a song using handbells? I can remember that. Just by picking up and ringing different types or sizes of bells they were able to put together an entire song.

Now, if a person were to just pick up one bell and ring it loudly without any rhythm or control we would find that sound very irritating.

1 Corinthians 13:1 tells us, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal." (maybe we even sound like a ringing bell being violently shook)

As Christians,God gave each of us a message to share with the world that is much like us ringing a bell. That message is Jesus. We should be compelled to ring our bell in a way that others would want to stop and hear the message of the bell.

Some preach, some sing, some teach, others evangelize in the open square. Our method of delivery is the difference in our types or sizes of bells.

Can one bell make a whole song? Maybe, but how much more would that one bell be enhanced if it were joined with other bells, working together with self control, the right tempo and cooperation? What if love was the melody with which every song was played?

It is easy to put down the bell that God has given us to ring and, instead, pick up a cymbal and clang it incessantly. We can complain about our president, our government, welfare, gun control, men, women or anything else. We can clang that cymbal loud and proud, but that is ultimately a sound that others will grow weary of hearing.

1 Corinthians 13:8 says in part, "Love NEVER fails." Do you believe that? I read that as a promise from God.

Love is not for sissies. It is easier to hate and hold grudges than it is to love. Love is the Christians's secret weapon when used the way God intends us to.

God has gifted you with talents and gifts. How are you using them? Does the devil have you distracted with the woes of this world? Does bitterness make it hard to ring your bell? Try love.

Pick up the bell God gave you. Find others who are ringing their bells and join them. Let God's message flow through you all as the melody of His love ties your song together.