INWARD DISCIPLINE

SECRECY

DESIRE

to follow the simple and often hidden way of Christ

DEFINITION

Secrecy is practicing the spirit of Christ reflected in hiddenness, anonymity, lack of display and the holding of confidences.

SCRIPTURE

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others as better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 6)

PRACTICE INCLUDES

-       finding acts of service that you can render without letting anyone know what you have done or why you have done it

-       holding confidences as secrets not to be shared

-       refraining from the compulsion to tell all you know

-       abstaining from revealing your good deeds, talents and qualities

-       consecrating intimate moments of your walk with God to him alone; speaking of them with no one else

-       being a safe place for others to share their secrets

-       celebrating the achievements of others without having to bring up your own

GOD-GIVEN FRUIT

-       developing a secret place of intimacy with Jesus

-       maintaining confidences

-       freedom from the hunger for notoriety, fame and recognition by keeping your achievements to yourself

-       governing self-centered conversation

-       bearing being misunderstood without seeking to justify yourself or rationalize your behavior

-       living from peace rather than competing for attention

-       demonstrating that what is important in life is not what is found on your résumé

-       receiving praise and recognition well and then moving on without needing to add any self-deprecating comments

Spiritual Disciplines / Adele Ahlberg Calhoun