I did something pretty embarrassing. I relieved myself in the middle of the Hopkins County Courthouse Square. I really did! It was in a stand-alone public bathroom with walls made of glass.
I was curious about it, so I visited. I opened the door which was more stout than the door at my bank. (What would you want to steal from in there?)
I walked inside and experienced an unobstructed panoramic view of the square and all who walked by. But could they see me? No! From outside the walls looked like solid mirrored glass (at least that is what I wanted to believe).
The décor style was Mid-Penitentiary Modern with a steel sink and toilet. God forbid that I should have to sit. It was really weird to be so hidden and yet feel so exposed.
Transparency in a bathroom may not be a good thing – but when it comes to relationships – it’s the best.
Transparency is the quality or state of being easy to see through – like glass.
When it is applied to relational things it is the quality of being honest and open and clear in the way we communicate. Think of most any politician and you have an idea of what transparency is not.
But oh, how we like to hide from each other. We have been known to stuff our feelings and disguise our motives and we can be preeminent at pretending.
Pointless behavior from God’s perspective because Hebrews 4:13 says, “And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.” There is nothing about us that is hidden from the penetrating eyes of God.
But here’s the thing – God says that you and I need to be transparent with one another.
– To be transparent is to recognize we are needy.
We are all sinners saved by grace and yet sinners we remain. John reminds us that if any of we Christians think we are without sin, then we are liars and the truth is not in us -1 John 1:10. Not just some of us but every single one of us.
To know that we are all sinners frees us from the burden of pretending that we are not.
– To be transparent is to confide in one another
Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
God has charged His people to support one another in our weaknesses. But how will my spouse know, or my friends know what I need unless I am open with them.
– To be transparent is to be truthful.
Paul wrote, “Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor because we are members of one another” – Ephesians 4:25.
It is a lie to speak something that is untrue, but also a lie to say nothing and allow a person to believe something is true of us when it isn’t. We need to speak the truth in love with each other and leave dishonesty at the dump.
– To be transparent is to be accountable
James wrote, “So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16.
The pinnacle of transparency is the ability to be honest with others about our failures and even allow them to help us overcome. This is truly a scary thought and yet Proverbs 28:13 says, “The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.” This has certainly been my repeated experience.
What are the benefits? People are comfortable with those who are transparent. They feel like they can trust them, plus pretending is exhausting. So come out of hiding and try on transparency for size especially with those you love and trust.
A PRAYER: Lord, help me to be an open book especially with those who love me.
This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you
Scripture passage taken from the NETBible ®
