I Have Learned...

Matthew 6:3-4

Photo by Susan Vickery-Mercer, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Jamie Langston Turner, Christian fiction author, penned a memorable quote in her novel A Garden to Keep: “I have learned that it is often those who call the least attention to themselves who have the most to offer.”

I wrote this quote on my classroom board as a reminder that EVERY student has something of value to offer — not just the students who eagerly wave their arms to be acknowledged or blurt out answers when they want to contribute to our conversation.

Although I value and appreciate their participation, I mostly encourage the quiet ones to share — those whose unspoken wisdom and experience truly do have much to offer.

Wasn’t Jesus like that most of His life on earth? Not seeking attention or accolades, but quietly gleaning wisdom from above and serving those around Him?

After all, we have no record of His teaching or public ministry from age 12 — when He went missing on the way home from Jerusalem and was discovered actively participating in the Temple discussion — until His baptism by John at age 30. Yet there had to be countless unacknowledged acts of kindness and service as well as words of wisdom and grace offered to those who encountered Him during that undocumented period.

Even when Jesus finally revealed His miraculous power, He was not seeking notoriety:

• Not when he healed lifelong infirmities

• Not when he changed plain water into award-winning wedding wine

• Not when He exposed the inner thoughts and motivations of those who tried to trick or trap Him

In fact, Jesus asked specifically that those who benefited from His power NOT tell anyone. He did not intentionally call attention to Himself, but He certainly had the most to offer!

So, in order to model after the Master, dear Friends, how might we purpose to call less attention to ourselves? In Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV), we read: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Whether giving time, talent, money, or attention, Christians are not meant to shine a spotlight on our giving, but rather on the One who gave His
”All, but Only” for us. Like the rock in the picture on this post, we should maintain a quiet steadfastness and strong testimony as the sea of life swirls about us. In that way, we provide a vantage point from which others may behold the majesty of our Creator and the mercy of our Savior.

So, for all the “quiet rocks” who selflessly serve in the background and are rarely acknowledged, we thank you:

• The young man stocking shelves at Walmart who stops what he’s doing to help locate an item hard to find

• The beachcomber carrying a litter bag for picking up other’s trash

• The delivery person who brings my groceries curbside or to my doorstep

• Our mail carrier or package deliverer whose work must be monotonous, but who always has a bright smile and cheerful greeting

• The nursery workers and all who serve in children’s ministry to provide a safe environment and firm foundation of God’s love

• The faithful woman who writes and mails cards of encouragement weekly

• The husbands who give their wives the freedom and support to pursue their dreams/needs while sacrificing their own convenience (Of course, this can and should work both ways as circumstances dictate!).

Bless you all for calling the least attention to yourselves and offering your very best in service to the Lord.

Father,

Thank you for Your quiet servants who offer support, encouragement, and wisdom without calling attention to themselves.

Help us to share freely with others the gifts You have blessed us with and shine the spotlight on You..

In the name of Jesus, our Solid Rock, Amen.

The Wobbly Warbler invites you to enjoy “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” with lyrics written in 1834 by Edward Mote. This familiar hymn is made new by Quiet Grace: