To play the second fiddle well
I stumbled upon that quote this morning as I was reading. How true are those words! It is such a difficult thing to be genuinely happy when others outshine us in any area of life, isn't it? And we aren't just supposed to deal with it. . . no, as followers of Christ we're supposed to rejoice because of it!
Yesterday I shared these verses from Philippians:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil. 2:1-4
Here is the deal, friends. Paul is calling us toward this radical humility for a really great reason: we have received so many blessings as a result of our faith, that there is no logical response but to pour that blessing out on others!
A few questions for those who have trusted in Christ: Has anyone in your church or youth group ever encouraged you? Have you ever been going through a difficult time and felt a sense of peace and hope after praying, reading your bible, or talking to another Christian friend? Have you ever been at a conference or youth gathering and felt the presence and assurance of God in greater ways than you could have ever imagined? Have you ever received compassion and love from someone who probably should have been angry with you instead?
I'm guessing you could have said yes to at least a few of those questions. There is so much blessing and beauty in this life we live with Christ. . . and so many of those blessings and that beauty come to us in the form of other people, right?!?
I have seen Jesus displayed through others all my life. I could tell countless stories of how God has used people to show Himself to me. To shower me with love, grace, and forgiveness. To remind me that I am not alone.
THAT is why I am called to lift others up as higher than myself. Like I said yesterday, it isn't an exercise in low self-esteem, no, it is simply the outworking of us living out what we have already received - first from God, second from others.
You have lifted me up, comforted me, encouraged me, and drawn me closer to Jesus. So now it is my turn to do that for you.
When we see humility in that light, it isn't so weird and unnatural sounding, is it? Maybe playing second fiddle is a little easier when you take a closer look at the light and joy in the eyes of the person for whom you stepped aside and allowed to sit in first.
Our sinful nature wants us to be first fiddle all the time. It takes a little reflection and a lot of courage to deny that inward desire and play by a different set of rules.
Today I am praying that you make one choice - just one - to allow someone else first fiddle in your life. Lets give back some of the bountiful blessings we've received, yes?
And the coolest part about living with that kind of heart? It causes our own lives to overflow with joy and peace, knowing that we have surrendered our own selfish ambitions for the sake of those around us. . . it is a beautiful thing to behold.
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