There are some qualities in life that, if learned at a young age, will set the foundation for a very secure emotional life later on.
This is because it is not uncommon for us girls to be conditioned from a young age to give in to peer pressure regarding just about anything.
We wear our hair one way, but later change it once we get to school because we’re criticized for the style.
Or, we had a strong opinion about something, but once a group of friends chimed in on the topic, we sheepishly changed our stance.
Over time, this caused us to develop ways about ourselves that aren’t true representations of our character or what we really desire in life.
And all too often, our younger years are filled with these experiences so that we don’t learn how to express ourselves genuinely.
The world needs the true you. The unaltered, unwavering personality God gave you is enough and the salvation of many situations around you depends on it.
This isn’t about being rebellious and opposing every opinion simply for the sake of doing so. That’s just… annoying. And you may know a few people like that, orr… be that person. If so, please stop.
That’s not being transparent.
The world needs the true you. The unaltered, unwavering personality God gave you is enough and the salvation of many situations around you depends on it.
Transparency is the ability to offer others an honest insight into who we really are so they can better understand us in relationships, at work, or in ministry when we allow ourselves to be honest and free.
Transparency is the ability to offer others an honest insight into who we really are so they can better understand us in relationships, at work, or in ministry when we allow ourselves to be free and honest.
The book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was chained in prison. It’s not the most encouraging environment to find yourself in! Yet, he wrote this to encourage the saints in the city of Philippi, as well as the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1) located there:
14 …and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:14 NKJV
As saints of God, we can be emboldened to speak the truth about ourselves without fear about the reaction we may get from others.
A woman who is true to herself can’t help but show up that way in every area of her life.
When transparent people are presented with a financial or business opportunity they can’t stand for in good faith, they will turn it down, no matter how appealing the benefits may seem to others.
Maybe you are now emotionally more mature than someone you once had so much in common with.
They’re expecting the same level of connection you both shared before you decided that you needed to grow or receive more deliverance in an area where they are still bound.
Being transparent about where you are in your life with friends can be painful, but it’s necessary for growth and is required by those who intend to further God’s will not only in their own lives, but also in the world at large.
Transparent moments can also be shared in ministry and church relationships.
As hard as it may be to express yourself, your opinion matters.
When you share hardships or observations you’ve witnessed in these settings, it only credits you as a confident, mature individual who knows how to speak up when needed.
The Real Value of Being a Transparent Person
Over time, being more transparent will do a lot of the “explaining” for you in circles where your name is brought up.
At the end of our lives, we will give an account to God of everything we ever did here on earth. It is very simply stated in Romans 14:12.
But in the here and now, God is so gracious to allow us to have practice giving an account of ourselves to people before we do it once and for all before Him.
Every time you share a transparent moment with someone, you will see that it served a fundamental purpose for each of you.
Being truthful with people at the time you are presented with something that opposes your personal convictions, or something you once liked, will stand as an account of who you are.
Transparency will leave no questions in the minds of people concerning you because you were very clear on who you are and who you aren’t. It’s a beautiful tool we can use to grow and mature as women of God.
So, as a young person, if you’re able to learn the value of being transparent early on without being swayed to fit the mold of society or cave to peer pressure, more power to you!
You will spend fewer years fighting off what isn’t meant for your life’s calling and more time walking in the space that God designed you for.
Nevertheless, transparency should be a standard we live by as honest, God-fearing women no matter what age we are.
What are your thoughts on transparency in your own life? Share below!