Obscurity
The subject of obscurity has dogged my steps for some time for reasons only God knows. I know this sounds strange in a blog that could potentially be read by thousands of eyes but I would like to share my heart on this subject. I think we need to rightly divide two statements made by Jesus. In one He said, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1 NKJV). In the second one, He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).
Taking these two statements, I think we need to boil the concept of obscurity down to motives. We should not do our charitable deeds to promote ourselves but to bless others. We are not to hide while doing our good works so the light of Jesus can shine. If people see our labors as humble servants of God, they will glorify God when they observe our service to God.
Obscurity has several meanings but the one that applies here is found in Webster’s Dictionary, “the state of being unknown or forgotten”. Our service should never be for our glory or fame but for the advancement of the Kingdom of God and for the glory of God. As servants of God, we need to keep in mind the ramification of our good deeds which will last through eternity but our brief remembrance on earth is snuffed out like a candle.
I believe the name of our organization (Pathway Outreach Ministries) was rightly named “Pathway” and not “Highway”. I do not believe God has called us to fill vast stadiums or to have a worldwide television ministry. Some, I am sure have that calling but not us. I believe He has called us to the dark corners of the world to carry the light of Jesus. Perhaps, He wants us to say to the forgotten lost, “Yes, God does love you and He has sent me to tell you that His love is expressed in His Son Jesus—even though you live a life in obscurity you are not forgotten nor hidden from His eyes.”
God has called us not only to the forgotten lost but also to the hidden servants who labor tirelessly for the Kingdom of God. The Word of God says, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV). The cup of cold water could be encouragement to those who labor in the Kingdom of God in obscure places of the world.
In my secret place with God, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanked Him for blessing me and my family. I thought of the instances where He had rescued me from certain failures and sins. I thought of the many ways in which God had blessed my family. Then my mind went immediately to those who need His help and grace. My heart of gratitude turned into a heart of compassion for those suffering in their own personal obscurity. They are not forgotten because Holy Spirit reminded me of their struggles.
I have traveled by myself quite a few times and it is an unusual but strangely good feeling to be alone with my own thoughts and in communion with the Lord. I have experienced His presence in some of the obscure corners of the world. I love people but I am also very comfortable just in His presence. I have asked Him to send me where He would go and I find myself going where He is!
My Prayer: Lord, I realize my smallness and Your greatness. I have often been confused why you would choose us, weak humans, to represent You in the world but you do. So in the darkness of my confusion send me as a light to the dark corners of the world. Please burn bright in me, so Your light touches dark souls with truth and those hidden servants of yours would be illuminated in Your glory and for Your glory!
–Harry L. Whitt
Pathway Journey 
I truly enjoyed this word, Brown. Harry.
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Thanks Barbara!
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