Transparency and Confession
Submitted by Frank Williams
December 26, 2024
Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
A woman lay dying and admitted something from her past that she had kept buried a long time. As a believer, she confessed her sin to the Lord, and she felt the gracious forgiveness and peace of Jesus before dying.
When we are transparent, we are free to admit that we are far from perfect. We don't pretend to be what we are not. We can be honest about our true thoughts and even feelings. And sometimes that requires difficult honesty.
If we’ve wronged someone, we need to admit it and seek forgiveness. When we are hurting, it is best to share with those who can help and pray.
There is a discernment rule to follow. Share only with those who need to know and you trust. Broadcasting our dirty laundry to itching ears is not the wisest thing to do. Our loving and forgiving Lord may be the only One who needs to hear of our thoughts. Once confessed, then forsake.
No matter how transparent we try to be with others, we do have blind spots. Our rudeness may not be apparent to us. We may not be aware that we have been offensive in our attitude, words, or tone.
Open, honest, and humble prayer is essential in keeping our hearts in tune with the Lord. We see that David made three basic requests to the Lord.
Search Me – Invite the Lord to examine the deepest parts of your heart. He will show you the sins and attitudes that need attention.
Try Me – Asking God to evaluate our thoughts. Is there doubt, worry, fear, disobedience, some regarding of evil, or of some other wicked way in me?
Lead Me – This way of the everlasting is the destination for the saved. It's a prayer for help to stay off the way of the flesh and world, and to remain steady in this narrow way. This is the way which we shall never need to retrace.
Opening ourselves up entirely to God and others may prove to be a painful process. But as we remain transparent before the Lord, He will help us. He will restore our fellowship when it has been broken through disobedience. He will cleanse us so we no longer feel guilty.
The lady on her deathbed was transparent, finally. What about you?
Consider – Let's not make our deathbed the altar of our transparency.
