September 21, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Philippians 2:3–5
I REMEMBER READING OF Leonard Bernstein, the late, legendary conductor of the New York Philharmonic, giving an insightful answer in an informal interview.
I REMEMBER READING OF Leonard Bernstein, the late, legendary conductor of
the New York Philharmonic, giving an insightful answer in an informal
interview. Following a televised performance, one admirer asked: "Mr.
Bernstein, what is the most difficult instrument to play?"
With quick wit and without even a thought he replied:
"Second fiddle. I can 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."
Such profound wisdom in the maestro's words!
Yet Jesus became the ultimate second fiddler in God's symphony of grace in
which humility became the main motif. That's why Paul could write:
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of
others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own
interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same
attitude that Christ Jesus had.
PHILIPPIANS 2:3–5
I've found over the years that the most important virtue to be formed in me
by God's gracious Spirit is a spirit of genuine humility. It's the absence
of self-promotion, or insisting on having my way, or that my voice be heard
and revered above the voices of others. Humility keeps the gears of my
marriage and the relationships with my children and those I work with
well-oiled and operating smoothly.
But more importantly, when I embrace the humility of Christ, He increases
and shines brightly through me.
In simplest terms, Jesus told us to serve and to give. His life builds a
case for unselfish living . . . for being willing to give it all in honor
of Him.
Are you ready to play second fiddle to Christ? I can already hear the music
starting. It's beautiful.