It seems that everyone wants to be a soloist these days. Second fiddle is a difficult spot to fill because it does not receive the recognition one may think it deserves. It’s sad but true that all too many who claim to be servants of Jesus Christ have the same mentality as many ‘super stars’. There are those rebels in heart like Korah who do not understand God’s design and purpose in leadership. Not content with God’s call upon their own lives, they attack others that God has raised up.

How different was Jonathan, who saw God’s call upon David’s life and submitted to his role as ‘second fiddle’. I suspect Andrew got tired of being known as Simon Peter’s brother (i.e., second fiddle). Something in our human nature desires recognition. Our flesh always wants it known that what we say and do is recognizably important and worthy of attention.

It is true freedom to be able to say about our Lord, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” How liberating it is to prefer one another in honor and esteem others better than myself. We must all learn how to play second fiddle and submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. When we realize that there is only one Soloist in the Church, with many other back-up ‘instruments,’ then beautiful and harmonious music follows.

Every person is under, or more accurately, submissive to others whether it be at home, school, work, or church. We all line up under Christ in every area of life. Second fiddles do not get headlines or spotlights. They are not found among the “Who’s Who” lists. Just as our Lord Jesus played second fiddle to God the Father, the greater part of Christ’s body consists of individuals who, like their Lord, make themselves of no reputation.

Each member of God’s orchestra has a melody to carry, without which the symphony is incomplete. May we all keep our eyes fixed on the sheet music on our own stand, keep our attention on the Conductor, and enjoy the beauty of His workmanship. Playing together, in love, is the key to maturity in Christ. If my second fiddle is out of tune, it’s because I’ve gotten my eyes off my sheet music and the Conductor, and that makes the whole band and song sound sour.

Saints, stay focused on your call. Keep looking to Jesus, and let’s stay in tune for the glory of the Lord.