Wynton Marsalis is an American trumpeter, composer, and music instructor. He has invested time in teaching classical and jazz music to younger audiences. He goes from high school bands to the most prestigious music conservatories. Once the band sets up, he tells them to play something. He doesn’t say anything; he just listens. Typically, they will play a song that is four to five minutes long, but everybody plays a solo which then makes the song last eight to ten minutes. When they are through, he asks if anyone can tell him what the first or second soloist played. One hundred percent of the time they cannot tell him, not 99.9% of the time, but one hundred percent of the time! In 15 years no one has ever been able to tell him what the first or second soloist played.

He then asks what they were doing if not listening to the solo. Were they interested in what this person was playing? Were they playing anything related to what this person was playing? Then he drives the lesson home saying that the choices they make in the band are the same choices they will make in society. You can be the greatest soloist in the world, but if you don’t have anybody to play with, you’re not going to sound good.

As Christians, we are called to value others above ourselves, which is a way of loving others. However, loving others can be extremely difficult at times! Even when we typically like someone, it can be difficult to love them. A reason we struggle so much to love or show genuine interest for others is because of sin. We are fallen creatures, and if it weren’t for God and his life-changing power, we are naturally selfish, and loving ourselves comes more naturally than loving others. Many times we think of love as an emotional response, but that is not what true love is. Our emotions change constantly, and we cannot always control them. However, the type of love God calls us to have for others is the same kind of sacrificial love that he has for us. A love not based on being deserving of it or being lovable, but one that willingly chooses to love regardless of flaws. This love cannot be achieved unless we abide in Christ and He in us; intentionally relying on God and His power in order for His love to be displayed through us.

Let us learn to listen to others, take the focus off ourselves, and learn to value and love those God has placed around us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your unconditional and unfailing love. Even though I was undeserving, You willingly love me. Help me abide in you, so that Your love can be transmitted to others through me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Philippians 2:3 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.