Anonymous
Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Exodus 1:21 NASB
Midwives – Name one hundred important Biblical people. Better include some of these women since without them Israel would have expired in Egypt. But I’ll bet you can’t name them, or even one hundred that have names. I’ll bet that after you get past the New Testament writers, the patriarchs, a few of the prophets, some of the recognizable women and maybe one or two others, you’ll get stuck. If I asked you to name two hundred, you would certainly fail. This fact raises an interesting observation. Over the course of God’s plan for humanity, there have been millions of believers. Yet only a very, very small percentage are known. Most of God’s children are anonymous. And that’s probably the way God intended it to be.
As individuals, we find anonymity difficult. Ego wants recognition. We want to be known for something. We may not pursue worldwide fame (although I don’t think many of us would turn it away if it were offered), but we do want our own 15 minutes worth. In this world, we want to feel as though we are recognized for our efforts. We want to be important.
I am not sure that God’s view of recognition is anything close to ours. The more I discover what God asks of me, the more I realize that humility means anonymous.
Some time ago I had an offer to write an important book. It is a book that will definitely get publicity. It will make a mark. But my offer was to be the ghostwriter, the one who does the work but does not get the credit. Only a few people would really know whose words ended up on the page. The rest of the world wouldn’t recognize me. As I thought about this offer, I realized that my personal struggle was not about doing the work. It was about the recognition for doing the work. And then I realized that my ego was getting in the way of God’s arrangement. If God asks me to be the unrecognized ghostwriter so that this book will affect the lives of millions, isn’t that recognition enough? My wife reminds me often that I write for an audience of One. And if He is happy, that is all the recognition I need.
It’s a difficult transition to make, isn’t it? We are so anxious to be acknowledged by others. We complain often when we are overlooked at work, when someone else gets the kudos for something we did. My wife has pointed out more than once that being a mother at home is the most unrecognized job in the world. She may be right. Acknowledgement is psychologically necessary. But far too often, we get more love from a dog than we do from other people (that line is from Oswald Chambers). Can you imagine what changes would occur in your mental character if you really played only for the audience of One? Let me give you a hint – you might look quite a bit more like Jesus. He seems to have incorporated this attribute of humility into every aspect of his life.
A week ago I accidentally (?) observed a spiritual mega-rally on television. The stadium was packed. The cameras were rolling. The band was blasting. The singers were gyrating. And the preacher was playing to an audience of thousands. It was anything but anonymous. And anything but humble. It was the “Glory Show” on primetime. I wonder if Jesus decided to stay home.
If the greatest among you shall be a servant of all, then being anonymous must become the hallmark of a servant. Sometimes God scoops up His anonymous children and pushes them into the spotlight. They usually end up there complaining to the Lord that they are ill equipped. They usually have this deep sense of not being the right person for the job. Others are more qualified. Others have the necessary gifts. But God likes to pick on the weak and the feeble. Those characteristics allow Him to demonstrate His power instead of our prestige.
Today is a great day to discover just how anonymous you are. Are you willing to be God’s ghostwriter? Are you ready to have your life completely overlooked by this world in order to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? If you look closely at the lives of those who are on your one hundred names list, you will probably find that they didn’t get there because of their own efforts at recognition. Jesus had a lot to say about this too.
Millions of followers have faded into history without any worldly recognition. But God knew every single name. Are you ready to be counted with them? I would rather have God know my name and be His anonymous servant than have everyone on earth give me a round of applause.
Topical Index: anonymous, midwives, Exodus 1:21
We can select many verses of scripture to support this idea. I am reminded that even in prayer the Lord answers directly to his disciples….” and when you do your works of righteousness do not do them openly, and when you pray to your father in Heaven do
( in secret ) . Might I add especially in any kind of warfare!!. Put the Lord first ahead of you!
Following also means suffering and being “under the radar” isn’t such a bad thing after all! Will you let us know if you write the book?
Actually, I did write it. Anonymously. That was a long time ago. I don’t think it’s even in print now. The whole project disappeared from the “Bestsellers” book list. Fame is fickle, isn’t it?
Are you allowed to give us the title or a hint so we can search it out?
Dana shalom you can look up on Skip’s word search. It’s been very helpful for me.
Sure. It was called The Maximized Living Bible. I wrote all the verse commentaries.
FYI – There are still a few copies available on Amazon.
Got it on Amazon. Thanks
Anonymous? On Amazon – “The Maximized Living Bible Hardcover – January 9, 2007
by Ben Lerner (Editor), Greg Loman (Editor), Rob Schiffman (Editor), Skip, Ph.D. Moen (Editor)”.
At least eventually it has come to light, and, as I am understanding how it works, eventually all things will, whether good or evil. Nevertheless, I assume He was pleased with the humility of your intentions, and I hope you have profited well otherwise, also, as “a workman is worthy of his wages”. It seems that ultimately we must take our cues from His Spirit and not the responses of men, whether in the works we choose to do or in the evaluation of what we have done, even though we must also humbly at least consider the voices of others as we make our decisions.
And doesn’t it seem that notoriety can be equally as challenging as anonymity? Sometimes we will also avoid doing things that will lead to notoriety, also because of pride, whether in false humility or the fear of becoming more prideful, because we already are prideful. In the end, that too will be brought to light, right? Oh how bright is that light! May His mercy endure forever!
Interesting. When it was originally published, my name was not included on the cover or in the description. Don’t know how it got on the Amazon description, but that’s great.
Now do you wonder how many of your commentaries you would no longer agree with? ; )
Probably quite a few. The consequences of progress, I suppose. Perhaps fossilized theology is just a form of mental ossification.
…..and hardness of heart and being stiff-necked. Another very good reason to pursue humility, maybe especially for those most knowledgeable – “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” [1Co 8:1]
And then to consider this, “Love never fails—but where there are prophecies, they will pass away; where there are tongues, they will cease; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” [1Co 13:8]
So much for taking pride in our knowledge.
It’s worth reading Luzzatto’s remarks on humility and pride.
From Jewish Ethical Values (Sherwin and Cohen) – “For Luzzatto, false humility is as detestable as brazen arrogance.”
I actually think false humility may be more detestable, because of the crafty attempt of a greater deceit.
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” [Psa 84:10]
This is a powerful reminder of our need to be aware of our own motives. Rosanne’s statement is one I have often thought. Our culture is upside-down in so many ways and I long for the time when we live in harmony with the intended pattern of life.
Is the need for recognition evil? Doesn’t God also seek to be recognized by us? (Amazing thought!)
We were not created with evil impulses. I get thirsty so that I can know when I need to drink. I think we seek recognition when we lack the sense of our own identity. I think we seek it in others, for that is how we were designed, for I am a sum total of my connections with all else. I think the problem lies more in what we do with the impulse. It is easy to get confused.
I suffer from a disconnect with God, so I go seeking a connection with false gods; with anything that helps me ‘lose myself’ in the other, for that sense of awe is the most essential need I have. But all false gods offer is an altered state of reality. I lose myself, all right – in addiction, distraction or oblivion – but because there is no Other on the other end, I am just plain lost.
I suffer from a sense of disconnect with myself, so I go seeking elsewhere for that essential communication of me with me; I ask others to direct me because I lack the insight or motivation to direct myself; to make my own choices and take my own responsibility. I sell my soul for a bowl of pottage, when I should have been tilling my own fields; improving my own trust in my own choices, for my free will was not created to be handed over to others. My free will was created for the purposes of coordinating with heaven. That, no one else can ever do for me; false religions (not to mention society in general), again, notwithstanding.
I suffer from disconnection with others, so I go seeking an excuse as to why I don’t need others, or I pursue substitutes for others, which would include mutual delusions WITH others (of which there are an unnumbered multitude) all of which share some form of an altered state. Mutual addictions are one of the most popular, it seems. Naked touch is far too dangerous for the flesh, however; therefore one of its most nefarious substitutes – sex without love and commitment – is one of the more dangerous ways we have of ‘learning’ to fear true nakedness; true vulnerability to others. Sex without love is fearsome and loathsome and this “sin against (our own) selves” reaps the sure fruit of self hatred and hatred of those with whom we engage. Sex gives true love a bad name.
I think we seek recognition when we suffer from the lack of essential connection with God, self and others that would mirror our true identity to us. Recognition by the world can never provide that identity, however. The need for recognition is a spiritual thirst caused by a disconnect with God, self and others that no recognition of the world can fill. I need to know who I am in the ways I was given to know that; then I would have no need for the recognition (connection substitute) of others because I would already be recognizing myself by means of those true connections.
Suffer from disconnection from God…
Now that is as true a statement as any believer give. The closer we want to draw the further we seem to separate ourselves following fables of how others perceive their correct connection with God.
A few months ago Skip wrote something on the loneliness when we get closer to the truth. Stick to the seeking amidst all the noise God is softly and very gently writing his covenant with you.
Isolation is an answer to reconnect with nature. Trying your best to help and assist others is the best contribution we can make to reconnect with God.
May you be blest in your search to connect, and may you be connected exactly as intended whenever the time is right. To be nothing is the only place we can be to become worthy for God’s purpose…
It takes a big man to admit that God wants him small. Unrecognized.
And, humbly secure. God has taught you well, Skip.
I went through it years ago when I was advising a huge international
ministry and the Lord impressed upon me He didn’t need me full of
ideas . . . He needed me fully empty.
That humbling moment still resonates with me to this day.
And to this day I am still impressed to play out everything to that One.
This really strikes home, Skip. I was in modular home building for many years. I well remember a time when I was able to put together a difficult unit (cathedral ceiling), and never received the promised “pat on the back” from the plant superintendent. Years later, the owner, someone who had come up through the ranks and understood the challenges of building, recognized my ability. Point is, sometimes you don’t see God’s hand in your life until a long time after a situation is finished.
This is so good! I hope to share your summary as a quote: “I would rather have God know my name and be His anonymous servant than have everyone on earth give me a round of applause.” Thank you, Skip.
For the servant of G-d, to be anonymous is not to be nameless.
Absolutely correct. Thanks.
Lifestyles of the Poor and Insignificant (?)
While it is true we are designed live in community and are also designed by Deity to be dependent upon one another and upon the benevolence and watchcare of our (always) Good Shepherd. Each of us will stand before the only Righteous Judge and give an account of the stewardship of our talents on a day yet to be, and soon to come. (That “day” includes “this” day,- for we are standing before the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do- “now!”)
Remember the story of the “widow’s mite?” Such a busy corner of the world with all the hustle and bustle and noise and confusion of an “ordinary day” filled with the goings and comings of ‘taking care of business’- but Jesus noticed something – something which caught His eye and more than likely would have gone unnoticed or overlooked by His talmudim. He saw a poor widow – someone small in the eyes of the world- someone ‘small and insignificant’ (?) giving of her meager substance, her “tithe?” to the Temple. The quantity? Two mites. Friends, -it was small. Small in your eyes and small in mine, but “huge” in the eyes of our LORD. Why? ~ “What meaneth this?” ~ “Lifestyles of the Poor and Insignificant?” — How “anti-world!”
Was this widow a celebrity? Was she ‘famous?’ And how many times did our Savior heal someone of an infirmity of some kind and then turn right around and say afterwards- “Don’t tell anyone?” Again, – Why (not?).
Christ is NOT a celebrity- neither is He “Jesus Christ SuperStar.” He is not the next contestant on “American Idol,” and not to worshiped (or valued) for what He can do. He is not our “rich uncle” nor our heavenly vending machine dispensing nickel blessings each time we drop in a (prayer) coin.
We must read (and heed) this again, (this time with feeling) and “shema” these words: “Every knee shall bow..”
Tim Tebow knees? Yes,-he owns a pair- just like me. Mother Theresa? The Pope? Billy Graham? Adolf Hitler? Need we continue this list? – and will “your Jewish or Gentile name” -saved or unsaved name-be included? Friends, “every knee..”
When I was growing up- I always wanted to be “Somebody..”- I just wish I would have been more specific. lol!- May I introduce to you “my ABBA Father?” And are you one of His own? Will you (also with me) “bow the knee?” “Celebrity?”- lol! John was right! ~ “He must increase, but I must decrease!” (John 3.30)
~ Beloved, “now” are we the sons (and daughters) of God (!).. and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He (our Savior) shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is ~ (1 John 3.2) Any questions?
~ And when they saw Him.. they worshiped Him, but some doubted.. (Matthew 28.17
~ And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, “Thou God seest me…” ~ (Genesis 16.13)
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
All glory and praise
shall rest upon Him,
— so willing to die in my place.