One of the hardest things for me not to do (and I suspect tons of others), and one of the things that Jesus was really good at was not drawing attention to Himself. As I began 2021 I decided to read the NT over and over as many times as I could in a different translation (I chose the NLT, the New Living Translation, which is recommended by Pastor Chuck Swindoll and Pastor Greg Laurie. I figure if it good enough for them it is good enough for me. It is also a break from the ESV which I have almost exclusively used since about 2001).  Oh, I’m not speed-reading by any stretch. I usually average 2 chapters/day, but some days one, and some days (like weekends) not even one. 🙁  But I’m taking my time. Here it is February 2 and I’m in Luke 13-14. But one of the things I’ve noticed in my reading is how often Jesus deflects attention and tells someone to say nothing. ‘Course its not like they pay attention and I can certainly understand that! I mean, come on! Jesus had just given them sight; raised them to walk; cured them of leprosy; made them sane; cast out a demon; given them hearing, as well as a myriad of other miracles and I’m not supposed to tell anyone? Seriously?

Yes. Don’t tell anyone. How unlike me most often. The little fan inside wants the applause. I want the attention. I want the “atta boys” which come from doing something good for someone. Not all the time, mind you. But way too often. And I don’t think I’m alone. Of course you know that doesn’t make it right, but it sure makes it easier to justify! 🙂

Don’t tell anyone. That was Jesus’ plan for self-promotion. Say what? But Jesus, how will Your name get out there? How will people know who you are and where to go to hear and see You? Tell no one He said. Jesus did His best work in secret. Remember those all-night prayer meetings with His Father?

“Father, help me to leave behind the need for applause. Help to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, only in this case to defer any applause His way.”