Temptation of the Public

New consideration, tonight.

Consideration which opens wide a whole new realm of respect for people God has greatly used.

Having just one small thing to tend, for God's glory, according to His leading...is major, in terms of being allowed to serve the Kingdom, whatsoever. Even if completely and utterly isolated from all of society.

Like...it was probably something Bro. Washer talked about, perhaps, or maybe Bro. Poonen...some theological consideration along lines of:

 What good is it if a rose should grow in the middle of the wilderness, and no one ever sees it? How is there a point, there, if no one sees the beauty? Isn't it just meaningless? ..but...God sees. He is glorified in the creation of beauty, in the working of His will, even if He is the only one who witnesses the process and results.

And all that was in terms of having a very small portion to tend in the Kingdom, without ever coming into a position where anyone other than God is even aware of the efforts, the work, or the fruits. To such an extent, even, that it's entirely possible that the one so directed to live and to serve may not come to know the purpose or fruit of their labors, except to remain faithful to the Lord's direction, in faith--trusting His will is good and His purpose works always to good, thus continuing in loving obedience.

There's so much there. So very good. In being seen only by God. Known only by Him. And completely incapable of readily observing fruit of labor, except to experience growth in Christ. There's peace there. In Christ, moreover...ultimately.

When there are works which require interaction, such that people see the work, though...

...there's weirdness.

Because the flesh totally wants to jump up and be all "they're looking at me!" and "okay, now what am I going to do?"

As opposed to:

"Lord, I am nothing--and I am such a wretch, for ever sinning against You...yet still You have had mercy upon me, oh thank You!" and "okay, Lord, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, so please lead me."

And it seems perhaps that the more people who happen to be observers--even if wholly passive observers...the greater is that temptation to think and feel and act according to the flesh.

So, yeah. If it's nearly enough to completely derail, just having one or two observers...wow, but the people who do great works for the Lord in the midst of masses of people...He really does such a work, to keep them true.

Alternately, experiencing even the barest sliver of temptation unto self-exaltation and self-reliance per "being observed"...makes it all the more clear how easy it would be to completely fall into that mire. Grace, though.

Except that He made it apparent that such things were as they are, I wouldn't even have been aware of the temptation as to resist it.

The Lord is so faithful. He is so good.
He does keep those who are His.