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A few weeks ago, I linked to a humorous yet disturbing YouTube video of a young man who pretended to be a celebrity for several hours in New York City. By paying some people to follow him around and stir up some buzz, the man enjoyed an evening on the town where he gave out hundreds of autographs and posed for hundreds of pictures. After the event, he changed clothes and walked back down the same street in obscurity.

The desire for celebrity is strong in the United States. Just think about all the talent shows with singers and dancers hoping to make it big, the earnest innovators on YouTube, and the idolization of reality show stars known for nothing more than being known.

Unfortunately, the desire for fame and recognition also exists in the church. Though we give lip service to the glory of God and the extension of His kingdom, too often our lives are dedicated to receiving the glory of man and the extension of our platforms.

Embracing Obscurity: Becoming Nothing in Light of God’s Everything is a new book whose author is anonymous. I like the idea of an anonymous author penning such a helpful book – particularly when the subject is about fading into the background so that Christ can receive all the glory. After reading an advance copy, I offered this word of recommendation:

Embracing Obscurity challenges us to cultivate a joyful sense of contentment in the truth that the One who matters most already knows you. Being known by Him is enough.

Brace yourself before reading Embracing Obscurity. First, get ready for the challenging words contained in these pages. The author doesn’t shy away from stepping on our toes as he or she reorients our vision around Jesus. A sampling:

  • The trouble with you and me and the rest of humanity is not that we lack self-confidence (as we’re told by the world), but that we have far too much self-importance. (12)
  • When we accept that our value is not dependent on what we do or accomplish, we are – ironically – liberated to do much for Christ. (69)
  • I’m not irreplaceable. Remembering our limits means adopting an attitude of replaceability. (127)
  • One of the greatest ironies of all time is that when we give up the hope of earthly fame and fortune, and instead embrace the obscurity of a life given in service to Christ, we are immediately touched with immortality and assured of eternal glory. (137)

Another reason this book is challenging is because the author is unknown. I never realized how much I depended on a cursory knowledge of the author in order to hear his or her voice. This book’s insights shine all the brighter because they are not connected to a particular personality.

Embracing Obscurity is a good book that will convict and challenge you. “Who knows?” has done a good job reminding us of the Savior we adore.

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