Chances are, you are not the top dog in your vocation. You are below someone else. When you think of your position at church, others probably shine in their gifts more than you do. In professional sports, the player on the bench that is second string has to come to grips that he/she is not the best.
Someone asked Leonard Bernstein, “What’s the most difficult instrument to play?” Immediately he answered, “Second violin.” With the violin being the lead instrument in the orchestra, playing second violin means you are superb, just not outstanding. For a person to play second violin means that he/she may yearn to be in that coveted first chair, but must come to grips that they must play second violin.
It takes a humble person to realize that they must be content to be in a position that is not in the lime light. The Holy Bible speaks repeatedly on this topic. Several times this exact quote is given: “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). To receive that much needed grace in your life, then you must be humble.
One problem you run into about being humble, is the moment you “think” you are humble is the moment you are not humble. It is an elusive character trait. So how exactly can you become humble? Start by realizing that God gave you certain gifts. Ask God to let you use those gifts for His glory without worldly recognition. Next, take your eyes off of yourself and focus on just doing a good job no matter where you are.
Being content being second string starts and ends with a mental shift from looking inward to yourself to looking upward to being a good, faithful servant. Be content no matter what you do.
