Playing Second Fiddle
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:9-10
An orchestra will often include at least 90 musicians. Among this number, there are four major families of instruments: stringed, brass, woodwind and percussion. And within each family, there is a variety of specific instruments. The brass family, for instance, features the trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba. Yet, by far the largest family in an orchestra, is the stringed instruments, which often account for half of the instruments.
The largest section within the stringed family is the violin, which is divided into two parts: the first violin and the second violin. The first violin plays the more difficult melody and is often considered to be of higher rank than the second violin, which plays a more supportive role. The term “playing second fiddle” derives from the more supportive role of the second violin. Yet, despite its subordinate rank, the second violin is essential to create beautiful music. Without the support of the second violin, a symphony wouldn’t sound as good.
In some ways, the Christian life is like this. It often requires us to play second fiddle to others. For some, this comes easy, but for others, it is more difficult. What’s more, we are often told that the good life means having it all — playing the first violin. The Christian faith, however, offers a different perspective. Paul, in Romans 12, suggests that we should esteem others more than ourselves: “outdo one another in showing honor” Paul writes. In other words, practice the art of “playing second fiddle.” Paul’s idea is the same as Jesus’ teaching where He states that “the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16)
As we begin our day, might we ask God for opportunities to play second fiddle? Let us pray to God to use us in supporting, loving and serving those around us.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (“The Book of Common Prayer,” p.833)
