WHO’S ON FIRST

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.
1 Peter 3:1

Leonard Bernstein, the famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic was once asked, “What is the hardest instrument to play?” Without a moment of hesitation, he answered, “Second fiddle. There are plenty of first violinists, but it is hard to find someone who is willing to play second fiddle with enthusiasm. This is a huge problem because if I don’t have a second fiddle, I don’t have harmony.”

HARMONY IN YOUR HEART

Is there peace and harmony in your heart right now? Can I tell you a little secret? As long as you are trying to play first chair, there will never be peace. The Lord is first chair. He MUST be in control in order for you to be at peace.

The Christian life is all about playing second fiddle. It is all about the back seat. Jesus is the Lord and Master… the One who drives and plays the lead. We are to yield to Him and let Him take control of everything in our lives. When He is truly set apart as Lord in our heart, then and only can we start to experience his love, joy, peace and power.

CONTROL FREAK?

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Do you remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10? Martha loved to play first chair. She had an advanced degree from Control Freak University. As she was busy cooking an elaborate dinner for Jesus, her sister Mary slipped out of the kitchen to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to His word. Martha was livid! She told Jesus to tell Mary to get back in the kitchen and help her. She told Jesus what He was to do. She took the lead and began to bark out the orders. It is always a bad plan when you start ordering God around.

MAKING THE CHOICE?

God is waiting for you to make the choice today to move from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s seat. The moment you give your life to Christ, you die (Col. 3:3). A dead man has no rights… no agendas… and no business leading anything.

It is all about Jesus. We are here on this earth to glorify Him – “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:20). We do that by letting Him have complete control of all.

Why not stop right now and evaluate what seat you are sitting in. If need be, turn in your violin for second fiddle so that harmony can come to your life and people can see Jesus in you. You will be so glad you did.

 

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries