The spotlight can feel pretty good. However, in a world where everything we do is posted on social media for the approval—or disapproval—of others, the words of Jesus ring especially true today:
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)
When no one is watching
Real faith is demonstrated in the places where people can’t always see. It’s not done in the spotlight for show. Consider—as a Christian leader—how much you are doing for the example to others? Although there’s certainly a place for setting a good example, be careful that your life of faith doesn’t default nothing more than that, with every opportunity for doing good trumpeted to others.
Help a stranger in a tangible way and don’t share the experience with anyone else, not even your spouse. Don’t share it with your Community Group or use it as a sermon illustration. Allow it to be just between you and God and let it rest there.
When you volunteer, do the jobs that no one else wants to do—the ones far from the spotlight. Volunteer for cleanup. There’s no glory in that. Just because your gifts may lie in leadership or teaching or some other often-highlighted area doesn’t mean you can’t wash feet once in a while.
Consider ways to live out your faith at a personal, private level—even as you continue to lead others. Even Jesus did not have all the events of his life reported on. The very last verse of the Gospel of John reads: Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. (John 21:25)
Resources
Guide for Discipling – Traditional discipleship curriculum is linear—everyone starts in the same place and progresses in the same direction. The problem is everyone is unique, bringing their own experiences, strengths and weaknesses. They are not all ready to start in the same place and aren’t called to do the same things. But there are some guiding essentials. The Guide for Discipling covers 8 areas that Jesus nurtured in his disciples. Once you know the basics of Experiencing God and Spiritual Responsiveness, there is freedom to grow as God leads in the areas of Sacrificial Service, Generous Living, Disciplemaking, Personal Transformation, Authentic Relationships, or Community Transformation. Available in as a licensed download or on Amazon.