Living Faithfully in Anonymity

“A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:1-5 NIV)

It seems our culture puts a lot of emphasis on fame.  Many now attempt to use social media as a launching point to become famous, whether attempting to showcase their musical talent, political and cultural commentary, comedic abilities, etc.  It seems many want to be well known and receive the lucrative benefits from it.

An interesting thing in the New Testament is how few of the people whose faith is highlighted are actually named.  The paralyzed man was healed, Jesus said, because of the faith of four men who carried him and lowered him through the roof.  They are not identified, but their faith was extraordinarily strong.  It is not hard to imagine if it had happened today that the four men would be on talk shows and writing books about their friendship with the healed man and the back story of how they took him to Jesus. 

Yet, we don’t see that kind of notoriety in the Scriptures.  The vast majority of those written about are identified only by their gender, nationality, malady, sin and/or vocation.  No names are given.  The woman at the well who evangelized her village was a Samaritan (John 4). The woman Jesus forgave was caught in adultery (John 8). The man whose servant Jesus healed was known only by his rank in the Roman army (Matthew 8).  Men and women of great faith whose names are never known.

And then there are the men and women who faithfully served that only their names are known, but nothing more about them.  The list of people Paul greets in Romans 16 is a good example.  Only a scant description, if any, is given of them.  And what about Matthias, the disciple chosen to replace Judas? (Acts 1)  He is never mentioned again in the New Testament.

Is there a lesson here for us?  Could it be the notoriety so many seek, to be recognized for their accomplishments, or just to be recognized, is just a chasing after the wind?  Is it perhaps the one who cares the least about being known for his faithfulness who will be the most acclaimed in Heaven?

Today, remember there is only One from whom we should seek recognition, and it will not happen by seeking to parade our deeds before the world.  It will happen when we are merely concerned with living daily lives of faith no matter who is watching or knows.  

© Jim Musser 2017