Can you play second fiddle enthusiastically?
Leonard Bernstein was once asked which instrument was the most difficult to play. He thought for a moment, then 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 no harmony.”
The question is, “Am I willing to play a supporting role for the kingdom?”
Even if there is no mention of my name or an opportunity in the spotlight, will I serve with vigor and passion?
The answer to this question will highlight if I am in it for the LORD or for myself.
Jesus modeled this behavior. Jesus was the Lord of heaven, and yet he considered it of the highest importance to make one of the final acts of His ministry was to wash the feet of those who followed Him.
Why?
It is contrary to the spirit of Hierarchy for the CEO to be so humble as to do such a servile thing. If one were forced to do this, it would be a type of humiliation. However, when one does this from the heart, it demonstrates one of the most important things to God.
Listen to the words of Jesus.
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:13-17
Jesus washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of Peter. Jesus washed all of their feet. Jesus gave you a key to joy. Wash the feet of everyone around you. No matter the past or what you perceive is in their future.
Many unhappy, suspicious people also expect others to wash their feet. Jesus did not operate with a conspiracy-minded attitude; he loved. True love will not hold everyone at arm's length and look down the nose.
Joy comes when we do what Jesus did. Yes, some will deny, and others will betray, and even others will leave you at your lowest.
This happened to Jesus. He knew it ahead of time, and he still did what needed to be done.
Humiliation is often on the path to honor. It’s a test. Humiliation will not burn so hot when it happens to one on their knees, close to the floor, with their hands in the water near wet towels.
Joseph, before he ascended to the place of promise, prestige, and honor, humiliation was a pill the size of a camel. He swallowed it. He served well as a slave. What was his reward? He was incarcerated. He served his time well, being a blessing inside prison walls.
Could it be that some people God intended for greater things never make it out of the hard times because they allow the hard times to harden their hearts and poison their minds? What was intended to purify them and prepare them for greater things, they allowed themselves to be left on the cutting room floor. They did not cut because they were unwilling to be cut.
It also could be that God has given you the honor to serve your lifetime as a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. Do a study on Obededom. He was never King, but he was qualified to see the Glory of God because of his spirit of a servant to the glory of God.
Today is a good day to determine afresh that I will not be bitter. I will be better.
I will serve enthusiastically at whatever place on the pecking order God has allowed me to serve.
What would happen if we all adopted the attitude, “May I wash your feet?”
God honors the humble,
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott A. Phillips
I read the following and thought it was worth sharing here
"The story is told of two brothers who grew up on a farm. One went away to college, earned a law degree, and became a partner in a prominent law firm in the state capital. The other brother stayed on the family farm. One day the lawyer came and visited his brother, the farmer. He asked, “Why don’t you go out and make a name for yourself and hold your head up high in the world as I do?” The brother pointed and said, “See that field of wheat over there? Look closely. Only the empty heads stand up. Those that are well filled always bow low.”
Said differently, “The branch that bears the most fruit is bent the lowest to the ground.” An old ditty goes, “It needs more skill than I can tell/ To play the second fiddle well.”