Fiddles and Other Seconds

I've been thinking about the difficulty of being a true servant. Not one of the flashy glamorous "servants" like Wesley (The Princess Bride) who turns out to have a heart of gold, be the hero of the story, and goes on to win hand of the beautiful lady. But servants who are second fiddlers.

The trick with playing second char with many instruments is that the first chair (band experience showing through here) gets the best parts - the solos, the hardest to play melodies, and such. The role of the second fiddle is to provide support - to make the first chair look good.

Why don't I like 2nd fiddle? Mostly, I think, because of pride. I like being the center of the universe. And being 2nd fiddle grates on that pride. One can put others first for a while and feel spiritual. But the day in and day out grind of making others look good gets to me if I'm secretly pursuing gratitude or accolades.

I wonder what we think of when we read some of these verses...

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

A few thoughts on what it means to be a servant:
- A servant makes those he serves look good.
- A servant doesn't boast about how he makes others look good.
- A servant isn't proud about his preferences - his goal the success of others.
- A servant understands the bigger picture.
- A servant takes initiative.
- A servant is a faithful messenger.

A servant-teacher's goal is the communication and application of life giving ideas, not his own sermon. He uses other people's teachings and techniques eagerly - not to look good, but to be effective. A servant-friend does not cling to relationships, but desires the other to have the best relationships possible. He introduces people, even knowing that his own friendships with others may grow more distant. A servant-planner cares that the plan is solid and well defined, even knowing that others may get the credit for the success.

When I think of a servant, do I think of Luke Skywalker? Or do I think of the brave captain who took Princess Leia to Tantooine and then refused to give any information to Darth Vador?

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.