"The Blessed Obscurity"

   Most of humanity's achievements - I suspect about 99.99% - result from the dedication, work, and self sacrifice of people who labor in complete obscurity.

   By this, I mean no disrespect to the famous and well-known, many of whom achieve their status by their own determination and effort.  I simply mean to suggest that like the subatomic particles and unseen forces that comprise matter and energy, the unknown and the obscure accomplish by far most of humanity's doings.

  As a tribute while writing this piece, I am listening to the composer Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare For the Common Man".  I'm a huge fan of such folk, and am blessed to know so many who do so much without being noticed.  Many of these intentionally labor in the shadows as the expression of their relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.  "Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory!" (Psalm 115:1).  Believers seek to honor and draw attention to Someone other than ourselves, leading us to purposefully live in such manner that we do not inform our left hand of the the doings of the right (Matthew 6:3).

   In our spheres of influence, we must all consciously take steps to direct attention to the Lord Jesus, and away from ourselves.  Our demeanor and our attitudes must bear the "Not unto us… but unto Thy name!" determination of love, faith, and humility.  This does not mean that if we are noticed and appreciated, we should fail to graciously receive the encouragement (in so doing, we might end up drawing even more attention to ourselves).  We simply do not live our lives seeking human accolade and affirmation.  Moreover, if possible, we take proactive action to ensure that we labor in the blessed obscurity wherein the brightest Light shines upon us.  Only One is worthy of honor, glory, and the "Name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9).  Let us rejoice in His worthiness and in the peace of the shadows where we best live and labor.

"It is written, He that glorieth, let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord."

(I Corinthians 1:31)

Weekly Memory Verse

   He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

(Proverbs 11:28)