I’ve been one who has at times been told, “when you are at your weakest, you really are at your strongest.” Lately, I started to think about that a bit more. What comes to mind is being transparent. I consider myself transparent. That is, I am direct, open, plainspoken, straightforward, upfront, openhearted and accountable. These characteristics describe my transparency as an individual. I also realize that some folks aren’t comfortable being transparent and are leery of someone who is.
The Apostle Paul spoke on this and as I read what he wrote I realize that being transparent can be a good thing and it definitely has its challenges. He noted if we allow folks to peek into the reality of who we are and the work we do we better be prepared to be cut to size or simply humbled. It happens.
Paul wrote, “God has been kind enough to trust us with this work. That’s why we never give up. We don’t do shameful things that must be kept secret. And we don’t try to fool anyone or twist God’s message around. God is our witness that we speak only the truth, so others will be sure that we can be trusted. If there is anything hidden about our message, it is hidden only to someone who is lost.” 2 Corinthians 2:1-3
It is when we acknowledge our weaknesses that we find humility and the willingness to apologize. This helps us maintain our transparent self. When we depend on the extraordinary power of God and not on ourselves, and acknowledge that what we do accomplish is not because of who we are but because of who God is; we acquire the courage to admit mistakes and seek the Lord to get “back on track.” This eliminates the need for feeling that we have an “image to maintain.”
In other words, it is okay to admit, “Hey, I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” This demonstrates our weakness at work, and it transforms into strengths through genuine humility. “We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
Most of us are challenged with difficulties at this time in our lives. However, if we uphold ourselves and try not to hide; we will demonstrate that we do have a source of power. A power not within but outside of us. It is the power we go to and it is the very same power that resurrected Jesus from the tomb.
ritasalomon 