ACT 13: SECOND FIDDLE?

MARCH 18, 2022

Romans 12:10   The Message

Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

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I remember reading of Leonard Bernstein, legendary conductor of the New York Philharmonic, giving an interview following a televised performance, he was asked: "Mr. Bernstein, what is the most difficult instrument to play?"

With humour 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."

For some of us, I’m included in that us, surrendering control (looking out for # 1), and sacrificing our own agendas or plans is difficult. It means, first, that we don't get our own way and secondly, we must trust someone else or put them first. But practicing playing “second fiddle” sometimes is important and the generous thing to do: it shows the other person that you acknowledge their worth, that you value them.

For Jesus, the Gospel’s tell us, everyone belonged, and he responded to them in a way that recognised the worth of each person. Even when exhausted, at times pressured by those in authority, Jesus set aside his own needs to concentrate on whoever stood in front of him, showing respect and love for the marginalised, the children, the women and those who had physical problems which literally placed them on the fringes of society at that time.

The Apostle Paul in reflecting on the “Jesus Way” wrote “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

There are plenty of small ways to put others first. Perhaps hold the door open for more people than necessary. Give up your seat on the city bus. Let someone else go ahead of you in the line at the grocery store. Let someone else choose the TV channel, or the Netflix stream to watch. (Is that going too far? 😊)

Plan a nice day out with someone. Choose to do an activity that they would love – not the things that you would love to do with them. Do it Joyfully.

Consider a situation you're in now with a friend or family member where you might be at a disagreement over something. It could be anything from choosing a new paint colour, or where to go for a meal, to disagreeing with your best friend over what to do this weekend. Usually, you would find a happy medium – a compromise. This time though, let that person's wishes and opinions be what is done, not yours. Let them know that you value their thoughts as much as your own.

Love from the centre of who you are; … 

Be good friends who love deeply; 

practice playing second fiddle. 

                                                                     Romans 12:10