being transparent
November 1, 2003
one of the most attractive qualities of any human being is transparency because there's no false-pretenses or second-guessing. what you see is what you get.
we aren't looking to meet others who are impervious to the world. we aren't looking to meet 'super Christians' who go through all of life with smiles on their faces in all circumstances (please don't midunderstand me here). we are drawn to people who are like us (socio-economic class, ethnicity, etc). we are drawn to people that go through the journey of life and experience it like any other human would: cry in moments of sadness and joy and rejoice in times of happiness. emotions are natural. they are wired inside of us and to deny them is to deny what God has given us.
the world isn't looking for people who will deny these emotions, ones who will simply put on a "happy face" during times of extreme trials. the world is looking for transparent people, real people. people who are honest about the way they are feeling, not ones who deny it. what separates us, what sets us apart, however, is the way we choose to respond. because despite the way we feel, we have a different understanding of things. we have an understanding that God is in control of the universe, that He is exceedingly capable to provide for all of our needs. that He knows what's best for us and that He loves us in a measure that is beyond anything we could imagine. and so, we can respond accordingly. that is what differentiates us from the world. in times of extreme sorrow, suffering or persecution, we can still testify and praise our Father in Heaven.
it's in being transparent that people can see the true reality of our faith. because it's no longer about talk anymore. it's about the way we live out our lives in our day to day. it's about the magnification and exaltation of Christ in all things, so that He would get the glory.
"live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 peter 2:12 [NIV])
Posted by Leo Chan at November 1, 2003 6:13 PM
