Instrumentalists are used to sitting and waiting during rehearsals. We don’t come to rehearsal to focus on our own parts, but to let everyone learn how their parts fit into the whole. Sometimes the brass players need more guidance. Sometimes the wind section needs extra help. The string players don’t get to say that the rehearsal was worthless when the director doesn’t focus on their parts.
Why then do we so often fall into that mindset of a meeting, or a church service, being “worthless” just because it wasn’t relevant to us? Orchestra rehearsals are for learning to play together, with attention given to individuals as needed. Churches should be the same way – learning to serve God together, with extra attention given to those who need it. Everyone should still have time alone with God to ‘practice their own parts’ and be as ready as possible to work together with others when the time comes.
A church body is a training ground to learn how we fit together with other Christians. Just as with a piece of music, sometimes it’s hard to hear how one person’s God-given focus or talent can fit in with another person’s task. Church meetings help us work that out, if we are willing to try. Too often, our differences are highlighted instead, by someone who just has to make sure everyone recognizes our natural divisions. Don’t be trapped by that temptation. We are different, yes, but we are all the children of God.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Titus 3:9-11
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28