The Power of A Resurrected but Hidden Life
Lessons from the King in Disguise
Clark Kent always knew he was Superman, even as he hid it from everyone else. The problem with this comic strip is that for it to properly illustrate the reality of the Christian life, it should have been the other way around; it should have been mild mannered Clark looking in Merlin’s mirror and seeing Superman revealed.
In medieval Baghdad, the mighty Caliph Harun al-Rashid would sometimes set aside his royal robes and walk among his people disguised as a commoner.
He'd wander the streets, listen to complaints, and observe injustice firsthand.
The Caliph understood: sometimes the most powerful position is one of deliberate hiddenness.
This reminds me of Colossians 3:3-4: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
What does it mean that our lives are "hidden with Christ"?
When Harun donned commoner's clothes, he didn't become less of a ruler. His authority remained intact. He was still the richest man in Baghdad.
In the same way, your life hidden with Christ doesn't mean your true identity is diminished.
It simply means it isn't always visible to those around you.
Or even to yourself on your worst days.
Here are 5 Keys to Living the Hidden Life
1. Embrace Death as the Doorway to True Life
There's no hidden life without first dying. "For you have died," Paul says.
This isn't morbid but liberating. Our old identity defined by performance and comparison has been crucified with Christ.
If the Caliph (or Clark Kent!) wanted to move freely, he had to "die" to his visible royal identity.
2. Find Security in Divine Concealment
Your life is "hidden with Christ in God."
Could there be a more secure location?
The Caliph's disguise provided some protection.
Your concealment is infinitely more comprehensive. Your worth and future are held in the ultimate stronghold. You don't have to frantically prove your value, because it is a forgone conclusion, even though hidden.
3. Live From Identity Rather Than For Identity
The Caliph didn't disguise himself to become important.
He already was important.
We don't serve to become God's children.
We already are His children.
This shift transforms motivation.
You're not working toward a status but from a status already secured.
4. Recognize the Strategic Advantage of Hiddenness
Harun discovered he could accomplish things incognito impossible in royal robes. It reminds me of Undercover Boss.
When people didn't recognize him, they spoke freely.
Similarly, there's power in not needing credit or recognition.
When your life is hidden with Christ, you're freed from self-promotion.
You can serve without the burden of making sure everyone notices. The Caliph didn’t need to be known for what he was doing. It wasn’t about that; it was about accomplishing his purpose.
More importantly, Christ did the same. He did not want His true identity revealed until the proper time. Which brings up #5…
5. Anticipate the Reveal
"When Christ appears, you also will appear with him in glory."
The hiddenness is temporary.
The Caliph always returned to the palace and revealed his true identity. The best part of Undercover Boss is the reveal.
Your hidden life will likewise be fully disclosed, not as vindication, but as completion of what God has begun in you.
We live in a visibility-obsessed culture.
Followers, likes, influence - the metrics of seen-ness dominate. Those of us in business must wrestle with how to make people know we exist, and how to stay hidden in Christ.
But the most transformative work happens in hiddenness.
The seed grows underground before breaking the surface.
The most important foundation stones are never seen.
Your life is hidden with Christ in God.
This isn't diminishment - it's placement in the most secure position possible.
Live boldly from that hidden place.
What others see or don't see matters infinitely less than what is already true of you in Christ.
Jeff Miller
Wonderful, unexpected and contemplative. I enjoyed the Super Man Comic, too. Thank you on such a busy day to write a refreshing perspective. I have deep desire to evangelize but I like the Caliph style. Had never thought of it that way …till you wrote that. Thank you Coach Bro. IT reminds me of a time when I was on a Campus Crusade Spring Break in Florida…I decided I would go talk to the people angry at my Campus Crusade brothers and sisters after they shared. I felt this as a strong nudge from God. I would watch a tough response, pray and then ask them what made them mad. What wonderful deep conversations not criticizing my CC friends but going below the anger of the strangers. My favorite part was saying goodbye to these strangers…”OH, I am with CC too. We all have different jobs for God. This is mine. Sister Caliph Sara
Excellent article! I loved the Superman and Caliph examples... very thought provoking! Great job!