The Hardest Instrument to Play

Leonard Bernstein, the renowned conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, was once asked, “What is the hardest instrument to play?

Without hesitation, he replied, “Second fiddle.”

His answer contains an important lesson about human nature.

Most of us would rather be first violin. We like being recognized, appreciated, and noticed. Yet life doesn’t always place us in the spotlight. Some seem to carry the melody while others quietly provide the harmony. The challenge isn’t simply accepting a secondary role. It’s guarding our hearts against envy.

That’s why Paul wrote in his great chapter on love, “Love does not envy“ (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Envy and jealousy are closely related. Jealousy wants what someone else has. Envy goes a step farther—it resents another person’s blessings and wishes they didn’t have them at all. Neither attitude reflects the love of Christ.

James warned that “where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16). Envy stirs up conflict, breeds unrest, and damages relationships.

The book of Acts provides a vivid example. The Jewish leaders were “filled with envy” because of Paul’s success in preaching the gospel. Their envy led them to stir up a mob, create an uproar, and persecute innocent people (Acts 17:5). Envy never remains hidden for long. It eventually spills over into words and actions.

Consider Joseph’s brothers. Instead of rejoicing in God’s blessings upon Joseph, they allowed envy to consume them. They couldn’t speak peaceably to him. They plotted against him, threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and then lied to their grieving father. Envy accomplished what love never would have allowed.

So how do we overcome envy?

#1 Stop comparing yourself to others.

Comparison is dangerous because it usually produces either pride or envy. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Those who had worked all day became upset because they compared their reward to that of those who had worked only one hour. The landowner asked, “Is your eye envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15).

Remember, no one’s life is as perfect as it appears. Everyone has hidden burdens. Everyone has struggles. Love frees us from the exhausting game of comparison.

#2 Learn to rejoice in God’s blessings to others.

Paul simply said, “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15).

When a friend receives a promotion, buys a new home, celebrates a marriage, or enjoys some unexpected blessing, choose to celebrate with them. Envy steals the joy you could have shared. Love rejoices instead.

#3 Cultivate gratitude.

Rather than dwelling on what you don’t have, thank God for what you do have. Paul learned to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11). Solomon observed, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it” (Proverbs 15:16). And we’re reminded, “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Gratitude leaves little room for envy.

#4 Trust God even when life seems unfair.

Sometimes we’re tempted to ask, “Lord, what about me?”

But God’s wisdom is greater than ours. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. His plans for our lives are different because His purposes are different.

Finally, stay focused on God’s purpose for you.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

God has given each of us unique abilities, experiences, and opportunities. Instead of wishing for someone else’s life, faithfully run the race He has marked out for you, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Our challenge this year is to Love More. Give More.

Envy always moves us in the opposite direction. It causes us to love less, celebrate less, and give less.

Perhaps Leonard Bernstein was right. The hardest instrument to play really is “second fiddle.”

When we rejoice in another’s success, give thanks for our own blessings, and trust God’s purpose for our lives, envy loses its grip. Our hearts become freer, our relationships healthier, and our service more joyful.

The “more excellent way” is still the way of love.

So let’s ask ourselves a simple question: Am I celebrating God’s blessings in others as much as I celebrate His blessings in me?

When the answer is yes, we’re learning to love more. And people who love more will always give more.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman