Pickle Heaven Press-James R. Johnson

something to help you laugh and think about life with Christ

Tag: Ephesians 4:25

a bathroom made of glass — October 14, 2026

a bathroom made of glass

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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 ®

meetin’ the in-laws — September 9, 2020

meetin’ the in-laws

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Our sweet little Texas daughter was engaged to a fine young man from British Columbia (which is in Canada for those of you who slept through geography).   

It would be a merging of families and cultures.  She was “fixin” to get married and he said in, “a bit.” 

His family arrived in our little Texas town for the wedding just a couple of days before.  We had not yet met them, but we knew they were fascinated with the aura of Texas (and who isn’t?)  So, I decided they should get a rootin’ tootin’ redneck reception. 

I borrowed me some well-worn cowboys boots and slipped on some jeans helt up with a belt and big old buckle.  I snapped up a pearl buttoned, cowboy-cut shirt and dropped a round tin of Skoal in the pocket.  I finished off my western ensemble with an audacious cowboy hat. 

We then went to meet our new family.  My daughter and her beau were with them already and very excited about this first meeting.  I rapped on the front door and it was opened by her future mother-in-law. 

I conjured up a Texas drawl and said, “Well howdy Maam!”  She was speechless – but my daughter wasn’t.  She heard the knock at the door and came running down the stairs to see – took one look at me and screamed the loudest longest screech ever, “Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!”

                                                   ———————-

Sometimes it’s fun to pretend and actually, I’m pretty good at it.

Not only can I do a redneck, I can also create the impression that I have everything under control when in fact I am paralyzed with fear.  My lips have learned the art of saying yes to every request while the rest of me cringes.  Some pretend to care by asking me, “How are you doing?”  I pretend right back and say “fine.”

I am thinking that Paul may have written Ephesians 4:25 for me.  He said, “Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor because we are members of one another.”  NET Bible ®

He said to lay aside “falsehood.“  The word is translated from the Greek word, “psuedos.”  Yep that is where we get the English prefix “pseudo.”   He is talking about fakes.  It refers to deceit whether it be through what we say or portray.

Paul says this “psuedos” needs to be laid aside.  In other words, stop pretending.  Drop the mask (unless it is an N95 and you are Covid positive.)

Instead, Paul tells us to accurately reflect in words what is true because we are all members of one another – we belong to each other.

Why do I pretend that everything is under control?  Why can’t I tell the boss I could use a little help?   Is it my pride – the stuff that goeth before a fall? 

Why do I feel the need to say yes to every ask?  Do I not have my limits?  The pastor asked me to teach a class on marriage.  What if I were to be honest and showed him my crowded calendar.  I bet he’d send me home to work on my marriage.

Why must I reply “fine” to everyone who asks about my welfare?  A friend may be genuinely interested in how I am doing.  If he got a truthful answer, he might take a knee and pray right then. That would be nice!

Jesus once said that the truth will set us free.  He was speaking of freedom from sin and its consequences, but beyond that, there is true liberation and a sense of rest that comes from living genuinely and speaking truthfully. 

Yes, I need to consider the timing and the spirit in which I engage – but generally speaking: “Honesty really is the best policy.”

I have retired my western duds.   My Canadian family knows I am about as cowboy as bacon without the sizzle.   Now it’s time to remove the pretense from the rest of my life.  Will you join me? 

A PRAYER: Lord let me enjoy the freedom that is created by living in and speaking forth the truth.