[To tell the truth, I wrote this out of the frustration of feeling that I’m
a “nobody”. So maybe my motives aren’t too pure. But, anyway …]
THE QUIET ONES: Don’t Ridicule Yourself
I am grateful for all the people, famous or not, who have influenced me for the better. Some are famous authors, speakers, etc., and many or most are Christian. Some are well-known within certain circles. Many of them, whom I might not know personally, have exhorted, pushed and prodded me to desire and reach for a holier and more God-honoring life. They are an essential part of the body of Christ.
But today I would like to write about what I call “The Quiet Ones”. They are not “leaders” in the strict sense of the word. They haven’t written books that thousands read. They don’t address large audiences. They might not, like Paul of Tarsus or Mother Teresa, be very well known. But nevertheless, they can have a huge influence.
I am thinking, in particular, of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Hardly anything is known about her. Very few words of hers are recorded. As far as we know, she was not followed by huge crowds. Yet, I think, most Christians would agree that her influence on the world was tremendous, because she allowed Jesus to live in her, both physically and spiritually.
Her life was on one of total submission to God and total humility. I believe that it’s because of her humility, her “nobodyness” in the world’s eyes (but submitted to God), that He chose her to be Jesus’ mother.
The things we do know about her show her deep humility. “Let it be done unto me” was her “Yes” to God. While it was certainly an intense joy to know she would be the Savior’s mother, think also of the courage and faith she had to have, to face the ridicule of an “unplanned pregnancy”. She could have been stoned to death. We could also probably write volumes about her husband, Joseph, another “Quiet One”.
Think of her praises to God, in the company of her relative Elizabeth. To praise God in such a situation, facing ridicule and social ostracism, she had to focus on the glorious reality of what God was doing in her.
Think of how she pointed to Jesus: “Do whatever He tells you”, which I believe as His first disciple, she herself practiced.
And think of how she stood by Jesus’ side, not only as He suffered excruciating physical pain, but the emotional pain of scorn and ridicule, and feeling abandoned by God. And of course, her unspeakable joy when He rose from the dead …
Yes, I am very grateful for all the “leaders” in my life, who have pushed me to grow and stretch for God’s kingdom. It takes great courage to put oneself in the public eye.
But please, if you are a “Quiet One”, don’t disparage yourself. You may be having a greater influence than you know.
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The Quiet Ones
[To tell the truth, I wrote this out of the frustration of feeling that I’m
a “nobody”. So maybe my motives aren’t too pure. But, anyway …]
THE QUIET ONES: Don’t Ridicule Yourself
I am grateful for all the people, famous or not, who have influenced me for the better. Some are famous authors, speakers, etc., and many or most are Christian. Some are well-known within certain circles. Many of them, whom I might not know personally, have exhorted, pushed and prodded me to desire and reach for a holier and more God-honoring life. They are an essential part of the body of Christ.
But today I would like to write about what I call “The Quiet Ones”. They are not “leaders” in the strict sense of the word. They haven’t written books that thousands read. They don’t address large audiences. They might not, like Paul of Tarsus or Mother Teresa, be very well known. But nevertheless, they can have a huge influence.
I am thinking, in particular, of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Hardly anything is known about her. Very few words of hers are recorded. As far as we know, she was not followed by huge crowds. Yet, I think, most Christians would agree that her influence on the world was tremendous, because she allowed Jesus to live in her, both physically and spiritually.
Her life was on one of total submission to God and total humility. I believe that it’s because of her humility, her “nobodyness” in the world’s eyes (but submitted to God), that He chose her to be Jesus’ mother.
The things we do know about her show her deep humility. “Let it be done unto me” was her “Yes” to God. While it was certainly an intense joy to know she would be the Savior’s mother, think also of the courage and faith she had to have, to face the ridicule of an “unplanned pregnancy”. She could have been stoned to death. We could also probably write volumes about her husband, Joseph, another “Quiet One”.
Think of her praises to God, in the company of her relative Elizabeth. To praise God in such a situation, facing ridicule and social ostracism, she had to focus on the glorious reality of what God was doing in her.
Think of how she pointed to Jesus: “Do whatever He tells you”, which I believe as His first disciple, she herself practiced.
And think of how she stood by Jesus’ side, not only as He suffered excruciating physical pain, but the emotional pain of scorn and ridicule, and feeling abandoned by God. And of course, her unspeakable joy when He rose from the dead …
Yes, I am very grateful for all the “leaders” in my life, who have pushed me to grow and stretch for God’s kingdom. It takes great courage to put oneself in the public eye.
But please, if you are a “Quiet One”, don’t disparage yourself. You may be having a greater influence than you know.
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