There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.
Charles E. Montague
Ronald Reagan the 40th President of United States was known to have a plaque of this famous quote on his desk. I find it ironic that President R. Reagan has received more recognition for simply having the framed quote on his desk that the person who wrote it.
I wonder if it was a reminder for him to lead with humility, transparency, sincerity and with the well being of others always in mind. He was obviously inspired by the quote enough to frame it and position it where he could see it every time he took a seat at his desk.
The quote was written by Charles E. Montague, an English journalist born mid-late 1800’s. I would imagine that Mr. Montague would not have minded that President Reagan received more credit for simply putting the quote on his desk. My guess is that he would’ve been honored.
In Mattew chapter 6 we see between the lines, the theme of kingdom motives vs the hollow motives of the religious that desired to be seen more than they were willing serve. In fact, they were only willing to serve as long as they were seen and recognized by others.
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Mattew 6:1
Jesus refers to practicing our giving, praying and fasting all in secret. Jesus was not denouncing ever doing good things in public. Actually, he encouraged both private and public service. He is referring here to the motives and the condition of our heart when the good deeds are performed. We could easily begin doing good things for the wrong audience.
If we are doing good deeds for mere appearances, then God is not our primary audience. We live in a time now where we are exposed and encouraged to self promote and produce ourselves publicly through all of the media platforms available our finger tips.
We cannot let the same agenda bleed into how we do kingdom work. Kingdom work is not always seen or acknowledged by people. God’s Kingdom has a Secret Service.
If you understand and apply this concept, it will change your life in every way. This principle applies to your job, family, relationships, your church, any position of leadership. It will reflect in your character.
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Colossians 3:22
We naturally have a desire to be acknowledged. As people, we want to be seen and appreciated. It’s nice to be recognized for your hard work your effort, the sacrifice you put into a project. It’s nice to be recognized for your gifts.
Jesus teaches the principle of, secret service. Serving not expecting to be seen, but truly serving from the heart. Doing the right things for the right purpose.
We have to remain faithful in the season of obscurity. Some of the things that grow in obscurity are the things that tend to live the longest. Like the bamboo tree. It spends ~4-5yrs underground or more before anything happens above ground.
When your most tempted to be seen, go back to sowing. It’s in the underground process that the critical phase of growth happens. If we are exposed too soon, the result can be short lived. That’s why you can’t be too concerned with being seen too soon.
It’s not punishment, obscurity is only an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to fully develop to the highest potential before you break above ground. God will protect in obscurity those he loves and has called to a greater purpose.
The Promise takes time. Sometimes it’s better to slow down and get it right. The longer and route less traveled is often better for experience, for wisdom, and for focus.
Obscurity prepares us for the day opportunity presents itself. There are things that we need to refine and need to face alone. It takes time for our mentality to change in the process.
Do not be in a hurry to be seen. Do what is right regardless if someones sees you or not. Focus on God always being your primary audience.
God will repay each person according to what they have done.
Romans 2:6
iNspired 2 iNspire 