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It is difficult being an open and honest person when your past has been less than prism. -But as hard as it can be discussing our past, it is necessary if we hope to build any kind of successful relationships in our future. Sadly, Satan, the Master Deceiver, will always be there whispering in our ear that no one will like, or truly accept us if we tell about our past sins, and (sigh) unfortunately, too many times Old Nick can point to many examples of that very thing happening in our lives. What it all boils down to, my friends and brethren, is that we must be brave enough to trust in Jesus to support us through any possible rejections that we might face.
Let me share some interesting facts that I have noted since God convinced me that to be the servant He needed me to be, I had to become transparent... nothing hidden, and no more secrets tucked away in the shadows. I like the person (and Christian) that I am today, and like all of us, I want people to like me which often makes disclosure that much more difficult. -But I also discovered that I felt more comfortable with a friend who knew my past. If they knew my past, and was still my friend, then I knew they were a true friend indeed. Friends and family members who refuse to accept change in us are also saying they do not believe that Christ can truly change a person. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Which brings up another interesting question... Are many of our churches guilty of the same thing? In your church are people with unsavory pasts welcomed or given the cold shoulder? I was incarcerated for sixteen years (Christian now for eighteen years). Bernal lived a homosexual lifestyle for over twenty years (Christian now for fifteen years). Gail was married four times before she became a Christian (Christian now for ten years). And the list goes on... -The point is, are you or your church still judging someone for their lives before Christ?
Now, having brought those points up... let me share some more of those interesting facts with you. -There is no feeling like the feeling that you can have when you are a member of a church who knows all about you, and your past... and accepts you as the Christian and person, you have become with Christs help. There is no better feeling then being able to openly help someone with a problem that Christ has already helped you overcome because that problem has not been hide in the shadows. We all have as part of our witness trials and temptations our Redeemer helped us overcome that we can use to help others if we are willing.
I often talk of needing to keep our relationship with the Lord real, so I am not going to tell you that all people are going to accept you, or your past, just because you are being open and honest about it. But I can with complete honesty tell you that you can do all things through Him who gives you strength. (Philipians 4:13)
This series is about relationships... specifically aimed at developing Christian relationships, so I hope that it is understood that in our Christian walk all things are related. We cannot build a healthy relationship with a friend, a church, or with a potential spouse that is based on less than total honesty... which definitely includes everyones pet way of not lying... sins of omission.
Christ sees our potential. We are only limited in our service for Him by the limits we impose ourselves. If we, as a person or as a couple, have the courage to believe that He can strengthen us through trial, tribulation, or rejection... then we have the tools to one day become the vessel to do His work... to fulfill His Purpose for us.
The question is... Do we have the courage?
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