GRABBING CENTER STAGE
When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John, He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. John 4:1,3
Jesus knew how His earthly ministry was supposed to end. He was very much in touch with God's timetable until then. When public attention escalated, attention that threatened God's overall plan, Jesus was quick to make course corrections. Too much attention, too soon, would be disastrous, so He withdrew out of the public eye.
Only a foolish man or woman seeks the spotlight at all costs. Their fragile sense of self perceives that the fix to their insecurity is the spotlight and the applause that results. They see every public opportunity as a means for attention. They are the ones who have trouble blending into a team and working quietly alongside others. They are also the ones who fail to listen to God when He tells them that their time is 'not yet'. Perhaps He's leading them to sit for a time, to listen and learn in order to prepare themselves for some future kingdom endeavor. Their great need for significance deafens their ears to God's instruction.
Just last evening, a woman told me of her frustration with a certain elder in her church. He loves to dominate church meetings, whether formal or informal. People roll their eyes when he acts out. Several days ago, in a small town, a group of believers and unbelievers went to the home of a 96 year old saint to wish him happy birthday. They went as a group yet this man saw an opportunity to shine. He had to be the one to 'represent the group' and seized the chance to pray a long prayer on the steps of this man's home. It grated against the believers and repelled the unbelievers.
Choosing to be quiet and unseen can be just as powerful in the kingdom as preaching a sermon. To know when to speak or when to be silent is something only God can reveal. I must be comfortable with either. Just as I have to restrain the need to make myself known to gain attention, I can also hide in obscurity because I fear attention. Both are fleshly agendas. Oh, that God might heal us of all such spiritual diseases.
How will You be glorified today? If it is by being nameless, I embrace Your plan. If it is to speak out publicly, I stand up to the microphone. I am Your servant, obedient to the plans of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen
Christine Wyrtzen
Daughters of Promise
www.daughtersofpromise.org 
