Bona Fide

Transparent: Undisguised, unconcealed, conspicuous; standing out so as to be clearly visible. If all we want (as a society, culture, and as people) is for individuals to be quote on quote “real” then why are we not reflective of what we want to see? Who will and wants to take the first step toward being transparent? It seems as though people want others to keep it real with them, but will not be first at vulnerability… so can you really say or claim that you are transparent? Transparency is not contingent upon someone else. I understand that there are a plethora of reasons to hide behind the veil. Most people hide their essence in fear of rejection or judgement, lack of self-confidence, or broken-heartedness. Transparency reveals the character of a person. Just as high definition television illuminates the blemishes and imperfections of those appearing on screen, living a high definition life can expose both our strengths and weaknesses. But often times most of us would rather remain phony than face the exposure of a transparent life. We feel trapped, desiring a confidante, yet terrified that honesty will cause those we value to permanently lock us out of their life. There is freedom in truth and there is liberty in being open. There is no fear of exposure or shame, there is such an implausible peace that results from not having to juggle a lie or keep bases covered.

Even though people may disappoint and friendships fail, refusing to live an authentic life separates us from the one relationship we can always trust. One of the biggest pitfalls… is distance from God; when we lie to people, we offend the God of truth, and that will create distance in our relationship with Him. We lose many teaching opportunities. Instead of learning from our sin and developing lessons that can be taught to and applied by others, we spend our energy and thoughts trying to cover up the truth. How can we speak the truth when we live in constant denial of the truth? We then keep ourselves in sinful patterns of living. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 NKJV) I know that God’s mercy and grace is far more rewarding than the torment of keeping up with a lie. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16 NKJV) Wow! Amazing! Not only that there is power in our prayers but that there is healing in being transparent with one another. It is time to take the first step at being exposed, at being vulnerable, at being transparent. Allow others to see that there is a real human being underneath the grease and the makeup with God-given gifts and fleshly struggles. If you’re honest with yourself as I am honest with myself, we have enough energy to be transformed or to conceal… but not both. It makes far more sense and takes less time and energy to work at changing than to work at covering something up.

So ask yourself this…

Am I living a transparent life? Is my life and my character in HD (High Definition)?

• Are you able to be yourself no matter whom you are with?

• Are you able to refrain from joining a group when they engage in events in which you don’t want to participate?

• Are you honest about where you are in your spiritual walk?

• Do you have a few friends with whom you can confide in about deep intimate issues?

• Have you shared your goals and dreams with someone?

• Can you laugh at yourself?

• Can you own up to your mistakes, stating, “Yep, I blew it.”

• Are you acknowledging your strengths by serving or working in an area in which you are gifted?

Time to be B-O-N-A-F-I-D-E! Keep Calm and DIVA on!