Out of Sync

One of the things we have been learning a lot over the last year is the art of video production. Sometimes it's "how to do it," and other times it's "how not to do it." We never thought we would have to learn terms like NDI, VMUX, OBS, MEVO, and video lag.

This last term, "video lag," has been one that has been especially significant over the last few weeks as we have tried to update our systems to incorporate our in-person gathering and our online live streaming. Video lag happens when the audio signal of our soundboard reaches our live streaming software before the video signal reaches it. When this happens, you see the lips moving on the person after the audio has already played. It can be distracting and frustrating as it causes great confusion for the brain as the live-streamed worship service progresses. Thankfully, there's a feature in our software that allows us to create an "audio offset" that effectively synchronizes the two signals and removes the disconnect. We have had to learn how to do it smoothly, and we must confess, we don't always get it right.

It got me thinking about what happens in our own life when our words (audio) doesn't match our actions (video). We experience this offset when our actions don't line up with what we believe. We've talked about this principle a lot over the last few weeks at Calvary, and every time it goes back to our hearts. Our heart is what drives our actions. Our heart includes our mind and will. It is the decision-making faculties of the human body.

Jesus brings up these issues in Luke 6:45

"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Jesus says that it will reveal what is really inside the person as we watch people's lives. If you want to know what is on the inside of a person, you simply watch their actions; listen to what comes out of their mouth. This is not being judgmental; this is being realistic. Jesus uses the illustration of a fruit-bearing tree is known by its own fruit. Apples produce apples, oranges produce oranges.

As I wrestled with the audio offset issues this week, I was reminded time and time again how confusing and disconcerting it is to watch someone when their voice doesn't line up with their mouths, and more so, when my life doesn't line up with what I say I'm all about.

Thankfully we have a God who knows that we will never be perfect at this "offset." We will always fall short, and that is why He sent his Son Jesus to the world. Jesus died on the cross and, through His death and resurrection, offered His perfection to God in my place. This doesn't remove my responsibility to live out my faith, but it does mean that when I fall short, that I have a Heavenly Father who sees me through the perfection of His Son. This unconditional love and acceptance drive me to worship. I hope this week, if and when you experience the "offset," that you will thank your Father in Heaven for sending Son to stand in your place. That's amazing grace!

Aaron Groat, Senior Pastor
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