Give Up Hidden Agendas (March 31, 2025)

In this season leading to Easter, we remember Jesus’ command to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him (Mt. 16:24). I’ve been meditating on this abstract metaphor, struggling for a way to put this into concrete terms. Several authors* have helped me reframe “take up your cross” into a new phrase: “give up your hidden agendas.”

Everyone has hopes and dreams that inspire us. We have lofty ambitions to spread the Gospel, care for our family, or bring about justice in this world. But any aspiration (even a good one) can become an obsession when it is energized by a hidden agenda. Our motives can start out right but can quickly turn sour when our efforts are fueled by an ulterior motive.

On the outside it can look like we are spreading the Gospel, when there is a hidden agenda to gain notoriety or recognition. It may appear that we are sacrificing for our family when our hidden agenda is receiving appreciation or feeling like we belong. Or we may be doing justice while having a hidden agenda for achievement, power, or influence.

The way to recognize a hidden agenda is when we feel frustrated or disappointed. Whenever we find ourselves gritting our teeth in determination, obsessed to satisfy underlying cravings like notoriety, appreciation, or influence, it is a sure sign there is a hidden agenda at work. When this happens, we no longer leave the outcomes to God and become obsessed with a desire for “more, more, more” (more recognition, more belonging, more power).

Having recognized a hidden agenda, how do we go about giving it up? Instead of telling myself “stop obsessing” I am reminding myself of these four steps: 1. Do the right thing. 2. Every time. 3. For a long time. 4. With no hidden agenda. This is helping me turn down the temperature of my frustration, so I can pursue lofty goals with more focus. My ambition for achievement, influence, or appreciation can be replaced by a desire to do the right thing, every time, for a long time, leaving the ultimate outcome to God, not me.

And when we give up hidden agendas, the natural result will be the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). So this month, please pray for us to recognize hidden agendas so we can pursue His calling with greater vigor, leaving the outcomes to Him.

*Living Wisely with the Church Fathers (Hall), The Great Dance (Kruger), De-sizing the Church (Vaters)