An Instrument for His Use

By Beverly Hill McKinney

Memories of my grandfather’s violin studio were brought back as I entered the small violin workshop. Walking past violins hanging on the showroom walls, I ascended stairs into the actual workshop. Worktables held planks of rough spruce and maple waiting to be shaped into instruments. Assorted tools lay nearby with more tools hanging on a round spindle attached to the tables. Calipers, wood planes, and assorted wooden mallets lay nearby.

A small cabinet held jars and brushes with custom-made varnishes from a secret formula. Mixing them separately, they would customize the individual violins’ finish, affecting both sheen and color.

Glue at the end of the workbench would be used for the bonding process. This glue made from cowhide would create an extra strong and immediate bond, but could be pried apart if the instrument was damaged.

As I looked around I realized the elements in the workshop can also be applied to our spiritual walk.

Accepting Christ, our lives are bare planks of wood. Sin has left scars, which have eroded our lives. Jesus shows patient love as He heals the wounds of sin. He makes us new creatures. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Spruce used in violin making is highly prized if grown at high elevations and harsh weather. These conditions cause the wood to have greater resonance. Christians may endure harsh circumstances, but prayer and daily time spent reading God’s Word help us through trials and gives resilience to our lives. God’s Word assures us as we hide His Word in our hearts, it will help us battle the temptations to sin. (See Psalms 119:11)

Scraping the violin’s body to the desired thickness is similar to hardships. Although never understanding why we must endure them, we find the testing of our lives can be a thing of beauty used for Him. During these times we must remember His promise: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

Glue represents the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It is through His work we are able to withstand trials and remain faithful in spite of circumstances. We are reminded, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Acts 1:8 Unlike hide glue, the glue of the Holy Spirit is a permanent bond.

Varnish is polish to our life. As we grow, the Lord gives us opportunities to shine for Him. The varnish is customized by the Master working separately on each of us. He helps us know what to say to those who need a word of encouragement or struggling in their Christian walk. We each have different opportunities to share His love. Isaiah 50:4 states: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.”

I felt the violin maker’s pride at being a part of creating beautiful instruments. May we be so absorbed in Christ’s presence, living in constant harmony with Him that we reflect His beauty and are instruments He can use for His kingdom.

Beverly Hill McKinney writes from Rogue River, Oregon. bmckinnehill@yahoo.com