My service often quickly turns from humility to seeking the approval of others. In order to obtain the approval of others, I need these "others" to witness my acts of service.
I've shared this before (probably on one of the earlier blogs), but I've gotten very good at playing this "recognition game." The church is just too darn good at thanking people for acts of service, it is easy to fall in a cycle of seeking and obtaining the next "fix" of recognition in a congregation or fellowship.
"[The flesh] strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered." (p. 130)
Hiddenness is the antithesis to my "recognition addiction." It will quickly reveal the source of my service (desire for recognition), and if I allow the hiddenness to continue and "stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, [I] crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify our pride and arrogance" (p. 130)
"Hiddenness is a rebuke of the flesh and can deal a fatal blow to pride." (p. 134)
Lord, keep me hidden, and kill my pride.
-Mike
In Mathew we find that the Kingdom of Heaven is seeking
ReplyDeleteseeking all the time for . . . . pearls.
In the Kingdom of Heaven is one who apparently has the power and wealth to find and purchase the pearl.
I thought of this when I read your post Mike.
When you are most hidden the Kingdom is always seeking with one who would pay any price to put you in its gates. . . . that is, Pearly Gates, which are of the holy city, which is the New Jerusalem, which is the bride of Christ, which is the church, which is YOU!!!!
"True service rests content in hiddenness."
ReplyDeleteStoring up treasures in heaven. So good.