From the Human Resources Manager

Unity and the Piano 

Earlier this year, I bought myself a new digital piano. 

I learnt to play the piano from a young age, however, for the last 15 years or so it hasn't been a significant part of my life. I managed to sell an older (nearly-untouched) keyboard on Marketplace, and upgraded to a significantly better, more realistic digital piano.

I’ve got to say, this instrument is fantastic. We repositioned it in the house, and as a result, I’ve actually found myself playing the piano way more frequently since purchasing it. 

I don’t profess to be good at all, but regardless, it’s nice to explore this part of my life again, which had been somewhat forgotten for so long. 

I recently asked our staff in a devotion how many people have at least a basic understanding of playing the piano - and I’d say that almost half of Emmaus' staff have at least a basic knowledge of playing the piano. They may not necessarily be an expert, but if they really needed to, they could at least smash out a bit of ‘Hot Cross Buns’ or find a middle C.  A really large portion of us have that in common. 

ABC TV has a show called “The Piano”, which some of you may have seen. In the show, basically, people come from completely different walks of life - different nationalities, different backgrounds, different age groups - and all have the chance to display their piano skills in a public place like a Sydney or Melbourne Train Station. Despite the diversity that they show, they all have a unique skill set, and are united by their love of music and the piano. 

This had me thinking about unity within the Emmaus community. As a group of staff, we’ve been talking a lot recently about our values, and the culture that we are seeking to create. While it’s always important, it is particularly relevant as we launch a new Early Learning Centre in Reynella and see growth and expansion across all our sites.  

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, however, Emmaus staff are also quite different to one another! We’ve got staff from different employment backgrounds, different ages and stages, different nationalities, different experiences, and we are actively part of a range of Christian denominations. 

However, the exciting thing for me is that despite those differences, we're united around something much greater. We are all united around a common faith, and a common goal to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Staying united isn’t always easy, though. I’ve been reading through Romans recently, and so commonly, Paul is talking about unity. It’s a recurring theme for him. 

For example, I read recently in Romans 15:5-6 (NLT):

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV) Paul offers thoughts on this too:

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

When Paul says "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit", he's reminding us that unity doesn't happen accidentally. 

We often read scriptures instructing us to be humble and gentle, patient, and to bear with one another in love. However, I think too often, we read lists like this and nod, smile and move on. It doesn’t really resonate with us as it should. 

Recently, though, I’ve been challenged to stop and consider those things that erode unity. This list can vary extensively for each of us. For example, sometimes we let conflicts with others fester longer than we should. Sometimes we become so busy and distracted by life's circumstances that we lose sight of relationships and the mission that unites us. Other times, we’re just simply too sensitive, and are easily offended by comments from others. Alternatively, we focus too much on our differences, and forget the things that unite us. 

All of these are factors that can erode unity and suddenly destroy our connection to one another and to the mission we are united by. Ultimately, as Christians, we’re all united around a common mission, despite our differences. It’s a bit like the show, "The Piano". 

We come from different walks of life and bring different perspectives. We aren’t all the same, and it takes a special effort to ensure that we all remain united. “Being united” doesn’t only happen by doing more and by proactive behaviours, but rather being united is quickly undone by many other things. 

As mentioned earlier, Ephesians 4:3 NIV reminds us to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." 

So let’s think back to The Piano. The people on that show come from different walks of life, yet they are united by something they share. 

At Emmaus, we, too, come from different backgrounds, experiences, traditions, and perspectives. 

Yet we are united by Christ and by the mission He has given us.

Unity doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional effort, humility, grace and patience. As we continue to grow as a College community, may we make every effort to preserve the unity that God has given us.

Matt Purdy

Human Resources Manager