Transparency is a common buzzword in our generation. Its most basic definition (per Merriam-Webster) means the object being described has a property of allowing light to pass through it or is sheer enough to be seen through. Transparency can also mean whatever is being described, whether person, government or organization is free from pretense or deceit; the entity is readily understood and characterized by visibility or accessibility of information.
There is irony in a person, government or organization telling us they want to be transparent. Most often when these entities proclaim “we want to be transparent” it is because they have not been transparent, and they are not planning to be transparent. In fact, when the word “transparency” is most prevalent, there are usually things they would like to keep hidden and not allow the light of truth to shine on.
Just like a spiders web, there is an appearance of transparency with these entities, but ultimately there is a web of lies and deceit that is meant to trap and entangle. As thinking individuals we know we are being deceived and yet there seems to be no way to bring real truth to bear on the situation. Indeed, we are living in tumultuous times where deceit is so pervasive. For this reason, I am exceedingly grateful for the word of God.
Referring to God, the author of Hebrews (4:13) says, “ And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” In other words, all things are transparent before God!
What relief comes and what peace I experience when I realize it is not my responsibility to discover and dismantle all the webs of lies being spun in todays society. That said, I do have a part to play. There are things I can do!
What Is My Part?
I need to be asking the Lord to show me the truth in each of these supposed transparent situations…that I might see with clarity the hidden thing which would destroy me. God promises to give wisdom in abundance and without reproach when we ask in faith. God’s word gives clarity in every one of life’s situations, trials and web filled paths.
I need to be speaking the truth in love as I see others wandering toward the web of lies. It is not loving to allow a person to march headlong into something meant to trap and entangle them unto their death, whether spiritual death or physical death. No, the loving thing to do is warn and proclaim the truth so the light can shine directly and reveal the web for what it really is.
I need to be trusting God! At some point in the not too distant future, every person, government and organization will be seen for what and who they really are. We will all be naked and exposed before the holy and righteous God to whom we MUST give account. No one will be hidden from His sight, and as the author of Hebrews says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Praise Jesus! For those who turn to Him and confess their sins now, the day of having to give an account will not be fearful. If you haven’t already done so, be transparent before God today. He already knows the lies and deceit which characterize every life, including yours and mine. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Trust God and see if He doesn’t pluck you out of the webs which have trapped you!
