This paradox, as expressed by one of the greatest of all God's servants (the apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 6:9), will always be an axiom for anyone who truly serves the Lord. Paul was unknown and unappreciated by the masses of the world, for he had not climbed the ladder of worldly fame. But at the same time, he was well known by God and the people of God whom he served. "It makes all the difference which crowd you belong to," remarked H.A. Ironside. Another servant of God, William Kelly, said, "Faith loves not, but refuses, the honor and recognition of men. The servant of God cleaves to His Name, whom the world knew not, and so is unknown; yet as with the Master, grace in service cannot but make itself felt by those it serves, it cannot be hid."

Another great, yet humble, servant of God, John Nelson Darby (1800-1882), knew what it was to forsake the popularity and prominent place in the world for the sake of the truth of God and the people of God. He esteemed the reproach of Christ a far greater treasure, and delighted to walk in lonely paths of service, often among the poor of this world. Though of the highest education, it is said that he never intruded his scholarship into his ministry, such as in his addresses not even alluding to the Hebrew or Greek he knew so well . Mr. Darby was also a prolific writer, as well as speaker, and helper of the saints and the poor. His scholarly, accurate translation of the Bible alone would have been a life's work for most men, but he authored many other original volumes of expository notes and poetry. In spite of this, he was indifferent to literary fame. Though he exercised a large and deep influence through his ministry, he sought it not.

The epitaph on John Nelson Darby's gravestone bears those fitting words, "As Unknown and Well Known." It also bears a stanza from one of the many hymns he wrote:

"Lord let me wait, for Thee alone;
   May life be only this,—
To serve Thee here on earth unknown;
   Then share Thy heavenly bliss."

Another of Darby's writings says, "This is true greatness, to serve unnoticed and work unseen. Oh, the joy of having nothing and being nothing, seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory, and being careful for nothing but His interests down here."

It is said of the greatest of all servants, the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45), that He "made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). What an example for every servant of Christ, not to seek a reputation. Many have miserably failed as they have sought the praise of men rather than of God.

Oswald Chambers said, "We are called to be unobtrusive disciples, not heroes. Jesus wants us to be so taken up with Him that we never think of ourselves. It requires the supernatural grace of God to go through an ordinary, inconspicuous, ignored existence as a saint, unnoticed and unnoticeable. We do not have to do exceptional things for God; we have to be exceptional in ordinary things."

May these thoughts from a few of God's faithful servants encourage and instruct each child of God in his service to his Lord and Saviour, "as unknown, and yet well known."