Leonard Bernstein

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.”
 
  Our pastor shared this interesting anecdote during yesterday’s sermon.
 
  Leonard Bernstein, the famed composer (West Side Story) and conductor (New York Philharmonic) was once asked “what is the most difficult instrument in the orchestra?”
 
  He replied, “the second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm – that’s a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony.”
 
  In Philippians 2, Paul encourages believers to remember how we truly get ahead in life. It’s in giving up our self-interest and humbling ourselves, that God sees the maturity of our heart and raises us up. In the process, he creates a magnificent symphony for us and those around us to enjoy.
 
  Lord it’s so amazing the depth of wisdom you provided for us through the scriptures. Thank you for your love, and for reminding us of these lessons through so many different channels. I humble myself before you today and ask that you deepen my understanding of what it means to put others above myself. In your son’s name, Amen.