Today’s Devotional: Will You Play Second Fiddle?
Have you ever wished you had different gifts?
The body of Christ works because of our differences. It’s natural to admire the abilities of other members of the body, but problems arise when we start to become envious and jealous.
This Daily Encounter devotional talks about the need for each individual to fulfill the role that God has given them. Sometimes that means playing second fiddle when we’d much rather be playing first:
“An admirer once asked Leonard Bernstein, celebrated orchestra conductor, what was the hardest instrument to play. He replied without hesitation: ‘Second fiddle. I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm, now that’s a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony.'”
In King David’s day some of those who went to battle wanted to keep for themselves all the spoils of that which was conquered. They didn’t want to share the glory or the spoils with those who stayed behind the front lines and took care of the “stuff” (supplies and equipment).
In God’s economy, Christians will not be rewarded on the basis of his/her rank or position. Whether one is a church leader, Sunday school teacher, or janitor; the president of a company or the new kid working in the mail room—each will be rewarded on the basis of their being a faithful steward of the gifts and abilities with which he/she has been entrusted. What God is looking for to do his work on earth are second, third, and fourth fiddlers who are not seeking to glorify themselves but to serve God by serving others and thereby bring glory to God.
Read the entire devotional at ACTS International.
Have you ever needed to take on an assisting role when you didn’t want to? What did you learn from the experience?
At first it was not easy to play second or even third fiddle.
My oldest daughter Hanlies company needed an assistant to help with more like Girl Friday work. To shorten the story I was contacted and thought it a most wonderful chance to be close to my child.
For me and her this was a most wonderful experience and we both gained by working together. In her church she is the Juniors leader from letting the kids sing to also Christian dances.
However Christians can also have their differences.
All the young ladies and gentleman working for this company had only the greatest of respect for me and love.I never did let these young workers feel out of place or not able to achieve what I have achieved in my working days. It was only a great pleasure to play second fiddle and to spread good seeds and memories. I praise the Lord
Even the lord said ‘let he who wants to be the greatest server the others. Our focus should not be where we function but how well please the lord in our place. Everyone of us has place. If you leave your place you might be disgraced. Do the work not the office.
I actually prefer “second fiddle” status. Singing alto in the church choir establishes the harmony; lending support to others while they do the difficult tasks frees one up to offer more of themselves without worrying about who gets the credit; taking a back seat or playing “second fiddle” supports unity to the whole. I wonder if “second fiddle” is really an equal position because it’s required to complete God’s assignments.