“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions…” (II Timothy 3:10-11).

How well do your friends know you? The people at work?  What about those at church? Do they know what you believe and how you live your everyday life?

In the verses above the apostle Paul made a very inclusive statement. He is saying, “You know what I believe, how I live, my purpose in life, how I show the fruit of the Spirit in my life, and the way I face trials.” Paul lived transparently before those to whom he ministered. They saw him like he was; there was no pretense or hypocrisy. They knew what he believed and how willing he was to suffer for those beliefs.

Those we interact with day by day will soon learn what our core values are, even if we say very little. They will quickly recognize when what we say does not align with what we do. Titus 1:16 tells us about such people: “They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed” (New English Translation). It is also true, however, that even when we are falsely accused, others will recognize it as untrue. “Keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you” (I Peter 3:16, New English Translation).

Paul lived transparently, and we should seek to do the same.

Transparent living is the only way the light of the Lord will shine through us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live in such a way that others will see You shining through me. Cleanse me of any hypocrisy. Let my desire always be to please You rather than impress others. This is the only way I can truly be a witness to others.

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

2 Comments

  1. Could you please provide me on any article or bible study for prayerand fasting especially fasting its purpose,types and how it is being done. I appreciate your prompt response so i can share with our group also.
    Thank you and GOD bless.