What are markers of faithfulness and trustworthiness? Last month we addressed the importance of taking personal responsibility. This month’s focus is transparency.
The biblical word for transparency is truth. We know and agree that God and His Word are the plumbline of truth.
God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. (1 John 1:5 CSB)
God hides nothing. He withholds nothing. He is straightforward and honest in His communication, plans and purposes, resources, thoughts and intentions. It is His openness and authenticity that draw us to Him–knowing He sees and knows everything about us and lovingly made it possible to enjoy fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ.
What does transparency look like? The Apostle Paul wrote,
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:8-9 CSB)
We all sin against God and others, but a person who walks in the light seeks truth; they desire goodness and righteousness. For that reason, a godly person is open to criticism, rebuke, and exhortation in every part of their life. As they take ownership of their sin and change, they prove to be trustworthy and dependable.
The Body of Christ must come to grips with the fact that some individuals live, not transparently, but deceptively. They intentionally mislead others, refusing to take personal responsibility for their sin and its impact on others. As a means of escaping detection, they perform in public, creating a false front, or persona, to be seen by others. Apologies result in temporary change for their benefit at the expense of those they sin against.
“Abusers are skilled at deceiving others about their own character…. They may go to great lengths to do chores for their neighbors, participate in community service, or engage in time-consuming religious activities to the extent that no one would believe they could ever abuse a child or beat their spouse.”
This is bold deception. Until we know what to look for, we can easily be taken in. As we grow in discernment, we will align ourselves with Jesus. We want to follow His example, seeking the hurting and wounded, caring for and tending their wounds. Walking in the light means believing the wounded even if their account seems preposterous, painful, and difficult. If you are looking for help, please check our resource page online.
Let us walk in the light of goodness, righteousness, and truth, following Jesus, our Savior and example.
Prayerfully,
Clarity in Action Ministries
Note: Because prayer is vital to our lives, you are invited to join us in prayer the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. CST. Send an email to connect@clarityministry.org and request a zoom link for our monthly prayer meeting.
0 Comments