Working In Obscurity

We live in a world where social media is driving people’s decisions. They count their worth by the number of likes they get. There’s such a burning desire and pressure to go viral that people will do anything to get noticed. As a society we’ve forgotten how to live in obscurity. We’ve forgotten that we can do things without having to record it for the rest of the world with a short video or picture. I’m not knocking social media. I use it too. I’m worried that we’re losing the abi,it’s to do things for God, others or ourselves without feeling the need to tell everyone about it. There are many great things done in secret that God rewards in secret, and many great things that have been done in public where we’ve received our reward. There are many people in the Bible who started in obscurity who went on to be famous, and some who remained in obscurity.

Gideon was trying to remain in obscurity. He was threshing wheat in the bottom of a wine press trying not to get noticed when the angel of the Lord showed up. After the angel called him a mighty man of valor, he to,d him that the Lord was with him and that he needed to go fight the Midianites. In Judges 6:15, Gideon replied, “But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least important member of my family” (GNT). He was asking how could he do something so great since he was still in obscurity. The angel simply replied, “You can do it because I will help you.” He didn’t need to be famous or to go viral in order to do something amazing for God. He ended up going viral for following God’s plan for the battle, but it was born out of obedience and not a need to be famous.

Other people like the woman at the well did an amazing work for Jesus. She was able to tell her entire village about Jesus and to lead them to Him. The Bible doesn’t record her name. She remains in obscurity, but her work was no less valid or impactful. God doesn’t need us to go viral. He needs us to be obedient right where we are. When we’re ok with being obedient even if it means we won’t get “likes” or views or clicks, we open the door to God’s blessings (Matthew 6:1-4). When we are able to remain faithful in doing small things no matter what, He is able to trust us with greater things. We don’t have to go viral to make a significant impact on God’s Kingdom. In fact, most of the work done for God’s Kingdom is done in obscurity and unknown to others, but it is known by God and He blesses it and them. Ask God what you can be doing right now, right where you are, with what you have. Ask Him to help you make an impact even if it means no one will know.

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