The word "transparent" means to allow light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. Some things like windshields and water bottles need to be transparent. If not, chances are someone is going to get hurt, sick, or even die! Our lives are healthier when we are transparent. Jesus was transparent enough to acknowledge when He was in need. In John 19:28, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Jesus, while being fully God, was also fully human, experiencing hunger, thirst, pain, and even death. Transparency means I reveal my hurt and need to others who can stand alongside me and offer support, help, and prayer. We must be willing to admit we are not Superman. Even he had weaknesses.
God desires to shine through your life but several things conceal the image of God from being displayed through you. One thing that does this is hidden weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 4:2 says, “We refuse to wear masks and play games…Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see.” Transparency means taking off the mask and stopping the game playing. To gain order and peace in your life you must be willing to reveal areas of your life where weakness is winning. Regardless if it is sin or a past hurt, when you walk in God’s light, He will shine in truth that makes you emotionally and spiritually stronger. Everyone is weak in some area. 1 John 1:7-8 tells us to walk in His light to gain His truth and true fellowship because we deceive ourselves if we think we do not struggle with sin.
Another trap that keeps us from being transparent is the constant desire for approval. We fear what others think about us so we conceal and sometimes even invent identity. Proverbs 29:25 tells us the, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” There is no need to reveal to God who you really are. Why? Because He reveals to you who you really are. When you are transparent enough for God to shape your identity you will become more confident in who you really are because you are becoming more like Him! Past hurts can also keep us from being transparent. James 5:16 tells me to confess my sins to others and pray for others so that I can be healed. When you reveal your wounds, treatment can be applied and healing can begin. The hurt will not go away by itself. You need others who have been there. Keeping hurt to yourself will only bring more hurt to you and to everyone else in your life.
The best way to be transparent is through the local church. Church is God’s people. Transparency is sharing life together with God’s people. Through transparency, you gain support (Ephesians 2:21), growth (Ephesians 4:16), protection (1 Peter 5:2), and love (Ephesians 2:19). Stop doing life alone and get involved in your church. Get real with a small group of people who will help you grow in Christ. Find one friend in Christ with whom you can let down your guard and watch how transparency will bring transformation to your life.
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