When I started as a Christian in my early 20s, I was blessed enough to find myself with a role model, a leader in the church, to take me under her wing and teach me the ways of the Jedi.
She was a rockstar. She was wise, she led so many women, and always seemed to have an answer for everything. But as I began to get to know her, I realized she was just another woman trying to do her best to serve Jesus. She was so transparent about her struggles, shortcomings, pain and suffering, and insecurities, and allowed me and others to watch as she overcame these things in her life by the grace and mercy of God.
Whenever I would shamefully go to her for help with my mistakes, wounds, or sins, she always made me feel like she was right there, in the trenches with me. It was never “How dare you, how could you?”… it was “let me take your hand, and we will walk this out together”.
I learned from her how much better it is to be transparent. There is no need to hide our weaknesses, flaws, or mistakes. In fact, the more transparent I am, the more I can help others to Jesus. The more weakness I have, the more I can rely on Jesus to be my all.
People need to be able to identify with us in our human weakness. They need to see we are no different. Jesus alone is the difference. “If they can mess up as bad as I have and still make it, well, maybe there is hope for me.”
I have seen church leaders portray themselves as walking gods… they don’t let anyone close enough to see who they really are. They hide their family’s condition, pretend, and put forth an untrue or dishonest image. This doesn’t benefit anyone. This protects your idea of who you are; it prevents people from judging you, but it is not who Jesus has called us to be.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another…” James 5:16 (ESV)
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25 ESV
I am not saying you need to “confess” every little sin to someone in order to be transparent. But as women who share their lives with other women, it must include our mistakes, our sins, our weaknesses, and the hardships we have overcome. Naturally – this includes moments we are not proud of, but it also includes our victories!
Terry Powell, a Christian Author, wrote a great article on why transparency IS essential. I wanted to share! Whether you are a woman trying to share Jesus with a coworker, or you are a small group leader, or even a pastor, this information is insightful for us all!
SIX Benefits of Transparency
Transparency among members is a pivot on which an effective small group turns.
By Terry Powell
A transparent leader will see the following fruits as a result of his openness:
- Your transparency will enhance your relationship with group members and facilitate more one-on-one ministry with them. Your group members will view you as approachable and feel safer talking to you about needs they might not want to reveal to the entire group.
- Your transparency will spawn a deeper level of sharing among group members. They will be less superficial because you have set the pace. They will not feel alone or like a second-class Christian because their leader has already demonstrated authenticity.
- Your self-disclosure will foster deeper fellowship within the group. Experiencing the relational (one-another) commands in the New Testament requires a level of openness that few groups attain. Without a willingness to be transparent, we cannot bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2); comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:4-7); encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11); forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32); care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25); nor weep or rejoice with each other (Romans 12:15).
- Your self-revelation will instill hope within others who may be discouraged due to their struggles. They will see that you are pressing on in your faith despite problems, and that the Lord is using you. They will discover that “victorious Christian living” is not pain-free, but involves trusting God in times of difficulty.
- Your own need for prayer and support will be met. Ministry within the group will be mutual, rather than flowing in only one direction—from you to the others. You won’t suffer alone when facing a job loss, dealing with a rebellious teen, or wrestling with an important decision.
- Your openness will enhance God’s glory among group members. God receives glory when he gets an opportunity to do what only he can do—God answers a prayer, sustains and stabilizes during adversity, and transforms irritating circumstances. The recipient of His grace praises Him and tells others what He did.
In Psalm 50:15 the Lord says, “Call on me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor me.” Allow others to hear your heart-felt cries to God, to see how he meets your needs, and they will honor God along with you. Ironically, God gets more glory from us when we are needy and he acts on our behalf than when we are strong and have it all together. Group members may see our weakness, but they will also see his strength!
I love it!! Let’s be transparent and bring God all the glory in our lives! In our weakness, HE will shine.
Link to Article mentioned above: https://www.smallgroups.com/articles/2010/benefits-of-transparency.html#:~:text=Without%20a%20willingness%20to%20be,(Romans%2012%3A15)