“Transparency”

Proverbs 28:13-20

Transparency is defined as to made visible by light shining through from behind; open; easily seen through; recognized, or detected; clear; honest; sincere.

Sometimes when we’re at a place or a church among a group of people we can feel the most unwelcoming because they lack honesty and transparency. We should be transparent about our struggles. Here are three reasons why; (1) Transparency is attractive to nonbelievers. Admit we’re not perfect and that our need for Jesus doesn’t start and end with choosing to trust Him as Savior. (2) Transparency provides an opportunity to repent. Jesus often described the Pharisees as hypocrites in the Gospels. He said they were “whitewashed tombs” and noted that they had ignored “justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” Christians have been cleansed by Christ’s blood, but we’re still prone to act like Pharisees at times. Instead of acknowledging our struggles, we keep our mouths shut, or worse, we act like we have no struggles and (3) Transparency creates accountability. Encouragement among believers leads to accountability. Honestly, we can’t be held accountable if we don’t discuss why we need accountability. Likewise, we can’t keep others accountable if we don’t know why they need accountability. Paul’s words to the Galatians sum up the issue of transparency perfectly. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know we are we nothing. We are only “something” because of Christ. Not because of our righteousness. Not because of our good deeds. Because of His grace. Instead of being self-righteous and trying to hide our sins, I want to encourage you to be transparent about your struggles. Be bless and I love you!!! JE