We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. (2 Corinthians 4.1,Message Bible)Is there an area of your life that you keep secret? Under wraps? Refuse to let people take a peek? Its a difficult life to live a life of secret identities.And no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.Remember that song? Diana and I just hosted a party where we gave access to everyone every area of our home.For me,that takes courage,Some might mistake it for bragging or boasting but its the soul's transparency that allows people to have a peek.Some soul's beg for an intimacy where masks can be removed, differences celebrated rather than questioned or condemned,where recognition is complete, acceptance total, admiration mutual and both parties complementing instead of the guarded cautiousness we label as "discernment" and tend to hide behind.Not hiding,being truthful with others involves integrity.Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of hypocrisy, in that it regards internal consistency as a virtue, and suggests that parties holding apparently conflicting values should account for the discrepancy or alter their beliefs.Honest hearts produce honest actions but hurting people "hurt" people.Our first parents’ intimacy was easy, natural, and honest because Adam saw his own reflection in her eyes. No secret identities-no lies....When Eve walked through the door it hit him – “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh…” (vs 23) People connect because they see something of themselves mirrored in the other. A covenant was made – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his own wife…” (vs 24) There would be leaving and cleaving. True friendship can be liberating.
For better or for worse accepts the blemish, the scars, both skills and the lack thereof, morning breath and shifting moods. It tests patience for sure but at the same time allows unrestrained access. Continued friendship is now not a matter of performance but of invitation. I allow you to be you; will you allow me to be me? No judgement and total forgiveness engaged.No one is more vulnerable than the unmasked. There is no oneness without transparency.If life doesn't strip us from all masks and facades then our enemies will do it for us. When trust is broken it can be restored but that takes work and effort.Super Heroes wear masks to conceal identity,to protect themselves and the ones they love from reprisal.Who are what are you protecting today?
Repentance is the deliberate undressing of the soul. It restores wholeness to our life. In this context, inner and outer integrity is the sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.Our job is to expose our every weakness so we can depose that weakness. The greatest of ministers are those most transparent. Those that are hospitable.Hospitality is a requirement for transparency.“Behold, you desired truth in the inward parts…” (Psalm 51:6) Truth in the inward can't help but flow outward.Its the same with the invited God into our fleshly residence.Most though keep the sign on the door-no trespassing.Until we are comfortable with our own nakedness we will never be able to open up in intimacy with God. I’m not talking about nudity, rather nakedness. There is a huge difference. Jesus hung on the cross exposed for our sins. He held back nothing, could we say, bared all.Jesus the Son of God-Unmasked. So that is how we should come to Him, spilling it out and spelling it out. If only friends and family could be as accepting of the bare facts as our forgiving Lord and if only we could become as vulnerable. Anyway, that is the cry from the inside. It longs to be known on the outside...........Transparent,Real,True,Unmasked......................
Nuff Said,
