Why Be Transparent?   

   Do people see the real you? 

   We spent much of our early life avoiding just that. Like Gideon in the book of Judges, we thought of our self as the least (of everyone). 

   One benefit: There was no reason to succumb to pride. 

   If we're to become leaders, or just someone loved and trusted by others, we want to be real, not phony or pretentious. Open and transparent honesty before God and others wins the day...but be prudent. Take David:

   Search me, God, and know my heart; 

test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

See if there is any offensive way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting. 

(Psalm 139:23-24) 

   Giving God - first of all - open access to secrets leads to spiritual health and empowerment, says Doug Green, a California pastor. "Frequent, honest access cultivates love and confidence," he writes. "Transparency is the window allowing others to see who we are." 

   When they really know you - the good, the bad and the ugly - and still love you, it's authentic, he says. 

   The apostle Paul was vulnerable and honest. He let others see his pain and weakness - all the better for God's power to work through him.

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   Views By the Sea has exceeded 19,000 page views in little more than five years. We're not proud, just thankful to you the readers. We know you're busy. Most of our blogs approach 300 words. We can't help it.  

   See you Monday with some music...without the volume.

       Jimmy