Niccolo Paganini is regarded by many as the greatest violinist who ever lived. He pioneered techniques and styles that forever changed the face of music and remain influential to this day. A key part of his signature sound was his violin, which he named The Cannon, for its booming resonance so distinct from other violins. This violin is believed to be one of the greatest instruments ever made.
When he died, he willed his beautiful instrument to the city of Genoa, his hometown. Paganini’s violin became a prized treasure of the city. It was locked in a glass display case and went unplayed for nearly a century. By the early 1900s, the violin had become so decayed that was nearly a useless relic. You see, when used and handled, the wood of such a fine instrument wears only slightly, but unused, it begins to dry and decay. So, the painstakingly tedious process of restoration began in 1917.
Today, the violin is still on display in the Genoa town hall. However, the curator takes it out and plays it every month, and the greatest violinists in the world are periodically invited to play it. A Christian who doesn’t serve others is like Paganini’s unplayed violin. You are a beautiful instrument, exquisitely crafted for a most noble purpose. When you don’t serve, your life isn’t doing that for which it was designed. Your soul begins to dry up and decay. This sermon looks at our call from Galatians 5:13 to serve one another.