Last Friday evening, Karen and I attended the Vancouver Symphony for a special concert with Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield. It was an enjoyable evening, and Chris is a very likeable and down to earth Canadian.
As the symphony readied for the concert, I observed the traditional protocol. The orchestra tuned their instruments to that of the concertmaster or first violin. As the conductor approached the podium, he and the first violin shook hands and bowed to the audience. When there was a violin solo or featured part, it was the first violin that played – and was honoured by the conductor. As I watched the evening unfold, I thought of the words of Leonard Bernstein, the late conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He was once asked to name the most difficult instrument to play, and without hesitation, 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.”
I love this quotation and also what it speaks to – servant leadership.
Admit it or not, we all want to be noticed; to be appreciated, and perhaps even to get the credit.
Leadership articles, books and advice abound today. Many leaders seek to emulate the style, methods and “successes” of others. This can lead to frustration and may be more dependent upon on the formula or personality of the leader than the work of Christ.
In a recent article, Todd Gaddis reminds us that Jesus spoke much more about following than leading, and provides, “Five Reasons “Followship” Must Transcend Leadership.” Here’s the link:
http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2017/10/03/five-reasons-followship-must-transcend-leadership/
Being “second fiddle” to Christ and in tune with Him is a good place to be!
Please click this link to this week’s Five Minutes on Friday with the LPD – Five_Minutes_on_Friday_Oct._13_2017.pdf
LPD Pastor and Staff Cruise – Wednesday, October 25 – please see this link for details: LPD_Cruise_Oct_25_2017.01.pdf
