Leonard Bernstein, the late conductor of the the New York Philharmonic, was once asked to name the most difficult instrument to play. Without hesitation he replied, "the second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm - that's a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have have no harmony." Playing second fiddle to others, with enthusiasm, is what leaders are called to do. By "putting on Christ" we are putting on the servant's towel and diving deeply, passionately, and sacrificially not the lives of those around us, just as He did. If you refuse, it won't be long until you hear the chords of disharmony in your relationship with Christ, your family, and those around you. If you humbly accept the role of a servant, there will be, over time, noticeable harmony, and at the end when you hear the music die down, you'll hear a voice telling you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt.25.21).
Such a challenge to consider and apply. Playing second fiddle is counterintuitive to all of our hearts, especially in leadership. I struggle with this but have been repentant of late in seeking to lead more as a servant. May I do this well for HIS Glory. May we see lives impacted for eternity.
This came from a great book I've been reading "On the Brink: Grace for the Burned-Out Pastor" by Clay Werner (p.119). It has been very helpful and challenging during a time when I've had 15 funerals and been to 26 in the last 10 months. It's been exhausting but HE has been more than faithful and gracious through it and has grown me by means of it. As difficult as it has been I'm thankful for that.
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