Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Favoritism (02/28/05)
-
TITLE: Haunted with Envy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amy Miller
03/07/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Exquisitely each instrument strummed precisely the right note, harmonizing with one another as if the music were put into poetic words. With each thunderous beat the audience sat in awe as they not only heard but experienced the theatrical performance directed by none other than the infamous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
I sat munching on my Chee-tos, crunching to each beat as I watched from my overstuffed recliner, ironically offering sympathy to the envious villain portrayed in this movie. Antonio Salieri, a mediocre composer poisoned with jealousy questions why God would grant the arrogant but talented Mozart genius abilities to compose when his deepest desires were to glorify God through his music. Antonio, a religious man, must have known that God doesn’t show favoritism, yet he resented God for giving him the passion without the musical gift that was so evident in Mozart’s life.
As the movie continued the more I sympathized for Antonio as I watched the envy eat away the very gifts God gave him. A love for music, a love for life and his love for God was slowly corrupted by the inner parts of sin. Yet, I find myself asking the same questions. Why then, does the desire lie within, unable to be exposed for the passion it is? James sheds light to the reality of our desires. James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
The rivalry between these two composers is forever engraved throughout history. Sadly the movie ends on a sour note played by Antonio plunking away at the keys to his professional career. Death draws near as the priest sitting by his side offers a listening ear trying to recognize the tunes played by Antonio’s withered hands. Several songs later the priest offers a smile when a familiar tune jogs his memory. Tunes that haunted the final days of Antonio Salieri, knowing Mozart’s writings would be forever remembered and his long forgotten.
What Antonio failed to recognize is that beneath the bitter jealousy that ate away his soul lie a man created by God who gifted him with a love for music that produced over 40 operas, 2 symphonizes, and beautiful written church pieces, only to be remembered by the sin conceived from the desires of his heart. Mozart’s music lives on while slanderous rumors associated to Wolfgang’s death drag Salieri’s name through generations of mud.
As I searched deeper into the unknown, I discovered that Antonio’s creations were far from mediocre but tainted with envy that ultimately destroyed his name. Does God show favor to some more than others? I too, am puzzled by this mystery as my own desires cause me to wonder. Why is it that are flesh wants what we don’t have and what we do have we take for granted. We are uniquely created by God blessed with certain gifts and talents to use for His glory. Isn’t it God’s right if He so chooses to show favor?
Antonio opened my eyes as I realize and appreciate the gifts God has given me. And when I start to envy someone else, I can remember that God’s favor does rest on me because I am His child. Thank you Lord.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This is excellent!