Remaining Anonymous

Honestly, I do not know who said it first but it was a mission statement that has stayed with me for years now: To make Jesus famous while remaining anonymous. Perhaps it was John the Baptist who first said it when he said of Jesus, "He must increase, I must decrease." So much of our culture, even church culture, revolves around the great personalities like Billy Graham, or Rick Warren. Not trying to take anything away from the great work that they do and have done, but the vast majority of ministry still takes place in small corners of the world by virtually unknown pastors, pouring themselves out for the sake of the gospel. These men of God, will not write best sellers, or pastor mega churches. They may never get the chance to proclaim the good news to a stadium full of people. Nevertheless, the work they do is real, and their position worthy. "No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven." It is not given that there be more than one Billy Graham in the world.
When I was in college, I have to admit I was smitten at times by the temptation to desire a name for myself, to find a position in a large church or teaching in a college, where I could be well paid, respected, and highly esteemed. Aspiring to greatness is not a bad thing. Jesus did not criticize his disciples for wanting to be great, but for their ideas of what greatness was. He said instead that he who would be great, must be a servant. The one who would be first must be a slave of all. God forbid that we would twist Jesus' instruction to justify complacency or mediocrity. Instead we see it as a royal incentive to strive for excellency at what ever task we are set to, big or small. It was this ideal that set me on a course to be a "missionary" in rural Kentucky. I initially chose to serve in this area, not because it was a career move that would get me somewhere else, but because I perceived a great need for the gospel, and for trained ministers to serve here. No regrets. Its not about me, its about Jesus. If, in the few years that I am granted on this earth I can faithfully proclaim his good news, love and care for the souls he has placed in my charge; if I can give my very best to whoever, wherever he sends me, I will be satisfied making Jesus famous while remaining anonymous.