There’s a story about Alexander the Great coming home from battle. His soldiers enter the city to cheers and music. They lead the bound enemy. The joy continues as the cavalry come. They carry the spoils of war. Then the officers enter. The cheers erupt even louder as Alexander’s chariot is seen at the gate. A little boy worms his way to the front of the crowd and tries to run to the chariot. A burly soldier grabs his arm and jerks him back. “Fool kid! Do you know who that is? That’s the emperor!”

The boy replied, “He may be your emperor, but he is my father!” The boy was no fool. He was free to go to the emperor. The cheering crowds and soldiers were not. He could go to the emperor’s chariot boldly.

As children of the King, we enjoy bold access to the throne of grace and make bold requests. 

WARNING: We must never mistake arrogance for boldness.

Leonard Bernstein conducted concerts by some of the world’s best orchestras. He wrote music for Broadway hit shows. He was well known as one of the best musicians in America.

What did Bernstein think was the most difficult instrument to play? “The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violins. But to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm - that’s a problem.”

Those who play first violins are the stars. They play the music people notice. They have the “fun” part. Those who play second fiddle harmonize with the firsts. Their score, played by itself, may not make much sense. It isn’t as much fun to play as the melody line. Their job is to support the first violins.

Those who play second fiddles work for the success of the orchestra. They don’t call attention to themselves.

We’re to work for God’s glory. We’re not to call attention to ourselves. Being humble is being consumed with giving God glory and not at all concerned about self glory.