The story is told of a radio station that received a curious letter. It was from a sheepherder who lived alone in the hills of Idaho. The radio station had never before received such a request. The letter read, “Will you please strike A on the piano in your studio? The only comfort I have here is my fiddle, and it is so out of tune. Will you strike A so I can be in tune again?”

The request was granted, and the radio announcers paused in the midst of a broadcast to strike Ato give the sheepherder his pitch.

This is a picture of all of us when our lives get out of tune with our Savior. The strings of moral conviction, once so finely tuned to God’s Word, become loose and careless through compromise or neglect. Secret sins rarely distort the tone of outward respectability, but sooner or later an off-key word or deed betrays that something is wrong inside. “God, will You strike ‘A’ so I can be ‘in tune’ again?”

Some might think believers don’t have problems such as this. The reality, however, is that separation from God happens to all of us at one time or another. The Bible tells us why: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23)!

I have a dear friend who is truly a man of God. One time, by an unchristian act, someone deeply offended this dear man. It was so damaging that my friend has since had difficulty believing in the loving fellowship of believers. It’s a very sad situation. Such behavior is hurtful enough from those who make no profession of faith, but when it comes from “one of our own in Christ,” acute damage often occurs. 

When the heart is in tune with Christ, the discords of life become harmonious. This often can happen following heartfelt confession and repentance. A person can then look into the eyes of any human being and see a brother or sister in Christ. Love is a spiritual solution that always seeks peace and understanding. Love heals. The solid bedrock of love never fails.

As we begin a new year, we must daily ensure that we are in harmony with God. That is the reason I personally make time with my Savior every morning. It is my first priority. I have to see His face and know His heart before doing anything else. I’m coming to know Him better each day. The Holy Spirit is continually tuning my conscience and adjusting the strings of my heart.    

The Spirit, through the Word of God, gives us the sure note to which we can tune our lives. When we are “off-key,” confession retunes; when there is something to do to make a situation right, obedience keeps us in tune; and when we feel discouraged and alone, praise lifts our spirits and keeps us in tune.

When our hearts beat as Jesus’ heart beats, we will love everyone in the same way that He loves us. Our hands will reach out with compassion to the broken people around us. We will take the initiative to heal the breaches among us, and God will restore relationships. 

We can bring glory to God in no better way.