Anonymity is a concept used at "anonymous" recovery meetings. Christian anonymity is sometimes viewed as being ashamed of one's faith. Don't be a 'secret soldier' we are admonished! A biblical basis for these concerns may be Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
But anonymity is not necessarily disowning who you are or your beliefs, it is putting them forward without connection to one's name. This can be for safety, or to present the message apart from the messenger. At times Jesus himself hid for safety, or instructed people not to tell who He was.*
* At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:59 NIV)
* Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. (Mark 3:11-12)
Sunday
Freedom 55 ( or 45...35...25)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). The things referred to are those needed for your life and your body, such as food, water, and clothing. Many pursue and worry about these things, and I confess to having little faith about provision at times. It was unclear to me how physical needs could be met if I turned my attention elsewhere.
Then, I considered my garden. I choose seedlings, plant them with fertilizer and water, then wait. Apart from my efforts the sun, soil, rain and air help them grow. The grass and trees in my yard were even planted before me by someone else. Likewise, in response to our small efforts, the Lord can abundantly provide growth and harvest in our life to provide for us.
Then, I considered my garden. I choose seedlings, plant them with fertilizer and water, then wait. Apart from my efforts the sun, soil, rain and air help them grow. The grass and trees in my yard were even planted before me by someone else. Likewise, in response to our small efforts, the Lord can abundantly provide growth and harvest in our life to provide for us.
I Do
The bible speaks favourably about marriage, using this intimate relationship to illustrate the love between the Lord and His church. "...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5 b). The early stages of love can be exhilarating, but marriage vows are meant to be for life. Many problems and temptations cannot be overcome unless the Lord enables us. Circumstances can test anyone, so marriages can break down without the grace of God. Consequently, I think the taking of such vows should consider "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15 CEB) just as we submit other plans to God - not as an excuse for failure, but as acknowledgement of our own limitations.
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