Introduction to Embracing Obscurity - a book review #2 & win a free book

Really, if you think about it, it shouldn’t be so hard. In the light of history, we are all obscure anyway. So what makes it so difficult to accept? In his book “Embracing Obscurity” an anonymous author helps us explore why we are so threatened by being insignificant. He challenges us to give up our security blankets, our drive for success, and our need to be recognized so that we can set ourselves aside and let God shine through. Then he shows us how to find true significance through who we are in Christ rather than focusing on how the world sees us.

We will learn to redefine success by taking a closer look at our worldly cravings and achievements and comparing them to God’s terms of significance. What a difference there is! Realizing that God’s economy is upside down to our own has the potential to change our lives. His kingdom is a world where the servant is favored and suffering is to be desired. It is a privilege to make sacrifices to gain his approval. Why would we want to be a part of this mystery? Recognizing what Jesus did for us frees us to cast off the pressures of worldly success and embrace Christ’s example of loving God and loving people.

Imagine the all-powerful, mighty God of the universe giving it all up to become a slave…for us. This is the same God who declares: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” (Romans 14:11 NASB) This is the God who created us, created everything, who loves us and desires a relationship with each one of us. His appearance on earth should have been met with pomp and circumstance, adoration and amazement. But it wasn’t. Instead he chose to be obscure. He chose to give up all the glory that was rightfully his and lead a life that was so normal and ordinary that he wasn’t even recognized by those around him. He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:8) Why? So that we might live, to pay the price for our sins, to give us the opportunity to have a relationship with a God who knows what it is like to be us. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4: 14 – 16 Jesus lived a life of humility that gave glory to God by loving and serving his Father and ordinary people like you and I. He wants us to imitate him. (Philippians 2:5-9) By putting aside our need to be recognized, significant, or self-reliant we are able to let the love of Christ shine through our lives as we demonstrate love and service for God and others.

What do you think? Are you willing to embark on a journey that challenges your soul? Do you dare to critique how you define yourself and discover the pride beneath your security blanket? Will you consider the benefits of God’s seemingly upside down kingdom and put aside your own goals and ambitions to serve and love others? If your answer is yes, then let me encourage you to read “Embracing Obscurity” and become nothing in light of God’s everything.