Let\u2019s explore one of the powerful secrets that caused the message of our Lord Jesus Christ to spread so effectively in such a short period. Many people assume that self promotion or showing off our good deeds before others will make us more known or successful. For example, someone might help a person with something small and immediately broadcast it to everyone so they can receive praise and recognition.<\/p>\n
But let\u2019s examine the approach Jesus used. There is a profound lesson here by one that can shape our ministries, our daily work, and every aspect of our lives.<\/p>\n
Mark 1:40\u201345 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cAnd a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, \u2018If you will, you can make me clean.\u2019 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, \u2018I will; be clean.\u2019 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, \u2018See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.\u2019 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWe see here that Jesus healed the man, but instructed him not to tell anyone<\/strong>. This wasn\u2019t an isolated case Jesus often gave the same instruction after performing miracles. Why? It wasn\u2019t that Jesus didn\u2019t want His name known. Rather, He understood a divine principle: when you refrain from self promotion, you give others a reason to speak for you <\/strong>and that often has a more powerful impact.<\/p>\n
\nMark 7:34\u201336 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cAnd looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, \u2018Ephphatha,\u2019 that is, \u2018Be opened.\u2019 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThis counterintuitive method doing great things quietly and humbly <\/strong>made Jesus even more famous. It is a spiritual law:<\/p>\n
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”<\/em> (Matthew 23:12)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nGive Your Best Then Stay Silent<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you want to be recognized or honored whether in ministry, business, or personal life first do excellent work, then stay humble and quiet<\/strong>. Don\u2019t glorify yourself or seek the applause of men. In time, the very people you served will speak on your behalf far more convincingly than you ever could.<\/p>\n
This was Jesus\u2019 principle. He humbled Himself He didn\u2019t seek praise and for that reason, God exalted Him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Philippians 2:8\u20139 (KJV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cAnd being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSmall Answers Can Lead to Big Miracles<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sometimes we pray for something big from God and expect the answer to arrive in the same measure. But God often begins with something small. If we don\u2019t understand this divine principle, we might miss His answers.<\/p>\n
Think of Elijah: he prayed for rain over Israel after years of drought. He expected a great cloud, but what came instead?<\/p>\n
1 Kings 18:44 (KJV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cAnd it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nIt was just a small cloud, like the size of a man\u2019s hand. But Elijah didn\u2019t despise it he received it by faith<\/strong>. Soon after, the sky grew dark and heavy rain poured over the land. That\u2019s the power of believing even in small beginnings.<\/p>\n
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cFor whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice…\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nDon\u2019t despise small answers. You may have asked for a house, and instead received a bicycle. Receive it with gratitude and faith it may be the very thing God uses to bring you the house and more.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t Lose Sight of Eternity<\/strong><\/h3>\n
But above all, remember: this world is not our home<\/strong>. We are pilgrims on a journey. God may bless us with possessions, but they are temporary. We are not called to pursue houses, cars, or land as our final goal. These are tools, not destinations.<\/p>\n
2 Peter 3:13 (KJV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cNevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWe must fix our eyes on eternity, not temporary things. Jesus taught that a person\u2019s life is not defined by the abundance of their possessions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
Luke 12:15 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cTake care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one\u2019s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nAnd again:<\/p>\n
Mark 8:36 (KJV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cFor what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nLet us walk in the humility of Christ. Let us do our best quietly, trusting that God Himself will lift us up. Let us believe in small beginnings and have an eternal mindset. For our greatest reward is not in this world but in the life to come.<\/p>\n
May the Lord bless you abundantly.<\/strong><\/p>\n