This discussion dives into the intriguing concept of anonymity and its role in personal and spiritual growth. It explores Jesus’ teachings on humility versus self-promotion, urging listeners to consider the authentic intentions behind their good works. The conversation contrasts community-focused storytelling with the pitfalls of branding. Personal anecdotes illuminate how self-promotion can stifle genuine passion, while the impact of ethical storytelling in nonprofits is examined. Ultimately, the episode advocates for embracing humility and authenticity in leadership and community building.
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insights INSIGHT
Jesus Advocates Anonymity in Good Works
Jesus's teaching "don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" counters public self-glorification.
True kingdom work serves the movement anonymously, not organizations seeking recognition.
insights INSIGHT
Iceberg Metaphor for Anonymity
The "iceberg metaphor" suggests good works should stay beneath the surface while weakness and sorrow are revealed.
This inverts typical culture by hiding prideful deeds and openly confessing struggles.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Stay Quiet When Starting Out
Avoid announcing long-term plans too early; premature publicity invites skepticism and pressure.
Focus on starting tangible work quietly and build credibility before broader storytelling.
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Written between 1661 and 1675 and published posthumously in 1677, *Ethics* is a comprehensive philosophical work divided into five parts. It addresses the nature of God, concluding that God is intrinsic to the universe rather than outside it. The treatise dissects the human mind and body, explores the notion of free will and good and evil, and analyzes the origin and strength of emotions. Spinoza argues that reason is the sole means to achieve virtue and freedom from emotional bondage. The work is characterized by its use of Euclid's step-by-step logical method to prove various propositions[3][5].
In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the more nuanced and often overlooked ideas in the book—anonymity. What does it mean to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”? Why did Jesus warn against broadcasting our good works—and how does this relate to the current culture of self-promotion, brand-building, and nonprofit storytelling?
We explore the tension between being visible in the world and avoiding self-glorification, drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and practical wisdom. From discussions about spiritual posture to nonprofit fundraising, entrepreneurial restraint to kingdom strategy, this episode unpacks why anonymity might just be one of the most important and freeing principles in the ecosystem life.
Topics Covered:
The freedom of not having to promote yourself
Jesus’ teachings on secrecy and spiritual intention
The tension between “let your light shine” and “do it in secret”
Why we might be getting in our own way with branding, storytelling, and constant updates
The iceberg metaphor: putting our good works beneath the surface
Strategic silence and the "Messianic secret"
How identity, audience, and pressure shape our decisions
When sharing the story is helpful—and when it becomes performance
Nonprofit realities, fundraising nuances, and ethical storytelling
Learning from John Perkins, Bonhoeffer, and the axiom: “Let it be self-evident”
The Grey Pages with Brave Cities 