I recently again picked up Chris Tomlin’s little book, The Way I was Made, and the words jumped out at me … “the unnoticed life.” Another wonderful follower of Christ, who wrote years ago in the New Testament under the authority of God Himself, once said that our attitude should “be the same as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing … He humbled Himself ..even to the cross kind of death.” (Paul, in Philippians)
Thinking about these verses, Tomlin says, “How is that even possible?! To be King over all created things, to be stronger than any being or force or obstacle in the universe, to be all-good, all-knowing, all-loving – and then to choose to be nothing? To die a criminal’s death? For me and you?”

He goes on to talk about Christ’s humility and what humility looks like for those who are His followers. He give this definition of humility: A humble person is a champion of the unnoticed life. He introduces several of these people in his life – the men and women who had great influence on him without ever seeming to be in the spotlight. He then quotes the lyrics of one of the “hidden” songs written by an anonymous songwriter. It goes like this, and is a wonderful prayer.

“Lore, make me obscure
Keep me unnoticed
Let me be known by Your image in me
Broken by grace and mended by mercy
Let me be hidden
Hidden in You
Hidden in the rock behind Your glory
Hidden in the cross beneath Your shame
Let me be as lost inside Your greatness
To be found within Your name
Let me be lost in You
Till I am found in You
Let me be hidden
Hidden in you!”

Tomlin wrote the song, The Famous One, because he said that everyone knew what it meant to be famous. That’s what worship is all about … making Jesus, and only Him, famous in our life.

It brings me back to what Rick Warren says in the beginning of his book to his readers – “It’s not about you.” If I’m going to live a life of purpose, it’s not about me … or my glory or my fame … it’s all about Him, and His glory and His fame. That can be frustrating and freeing all at the same time. Frustrating because I’m selfish and full of pride. I want praise and thanks for all I do. I want recognition for my efforts and service—- BUT it’s also freeing, because it’s God in me Who accomplishes everything! I don’t have to do it all on my own and in my strength alone. I was made to worship Him and live for Him – the famous One. What a wonderful privilege!

God, continue to grow in me the humilty that produces a clear picture of Who You are, and how famous You are. You are so great — amazing God!