The Lost Art of Transparency

Being honest about who we are and who we want to be isn’t always easy. Finding a safe place to be real can be difficult at times. Knowing what to share and with whom to share it, takes the gift of discernment that all of us can benefit from. There are some people who for the life of them cannot keep a secret. They don’t know the meaning of “confidential”. They live from one day to the next feasting upon others’ weaknesses. Like vultures they are ready to devour any poor soul that dares to expose any problem areas. My advice to you is beware of such gossipers and steer clear of them. And if you have been one yourself, now is the time to change. The way you treat others will come back to you so repent and stop this hurtful behavior.

Some people have learned to keep secrets and it’s a great advantage to know someone you can trust. As a result of living in Abbotsford for 32 years, I have had the privilege of knowing many people. Even people whom I don’t necessarily associate with very often, sometimes tell me “secrets” about their lives that are very shocking. I too once had a big “secret” in my life eight years ago. It was like a giant monster living in my closet. I didn’t know what to do with it and I lived in fear of being found out. Although both my husband Bob and I were in full-time Christian service, our marriage was in big trouble, heading downhill fast. When we both admitted we needed help and started receiving marriage counseling, it was refreshing to reveal our secret problems without fear of gossip. Learning to be real and honest with ourselves and with our counselors was a true gift.

Transparency is a definite necessity for living life to its fullest. In John 10:10 Jesus says that He has come to give us abundant life. To me an abundant life means, being free to be who I really am. If I am ashamed of who I am, then with God’s help I can change. Being honest, even about our down faults, should lead to growth as we reach out for help. James 5:16 tells us that we are to confess our weaknesses to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed. I have discovered that the more I admit my imperfections, the less frightening they become to me. As I reach out for help to those who genuinely love and care for me, I become more free to be who I am. As we discover the freedom of transparency we can encourage others with this gift too. I encourage you to expose secrets that have been weighing on you. Ask God to show you the right person to reveal this to and get it dealt with once and for all. Discover the gift of transparency.