Transparent--written in 2010
For a while, it seemed that "intentional" was the word/concept many used. It would seem that has been superseded by "transparent," as in "the most transparent administration ever." Because I have found this adjective to be used so often, I decided to see how it is defined. I went online and found these definitions: "(of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen; easy to perceive or detect; having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived; (of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny; transmitting heat or other electromagnetic rays without distortion; (of a process or interface) functioning without the user being aware of its presence."
How might the adjective "transparent" be rightly applied to a Christian?
Using the first definition--"(of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects can be distinctly seen"--I thought of this from 1 Peter 3:15: that we are always to be ready to give an answer for the hope within us. For that hope to be obvious, a certain transparency is required.
The second definition also pertains: "easy to perceive or detect." If my faith is clear, then it will also be transparent.
"Having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived"--the third definition--is also easily connected, with this caveat from Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart for from it flow the issues of life."
Like it or not, a Christian's life is "(of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny," both as an individual and as a member of his or her local church.
When I look at the definition of transparent as "transmitting heat or other electromagnetic rays without distortion," I am reminded that I am to transmit the truth of God's Word equally without distortion.
The final definition--"(of a process or interface) functioning without the user being aware of its presence"--reminds me of what John the Baptist said regarding Jesus: "He must increase and I must decrease." I must be transparent so that Jesus can be clearly seen, intentionally.
How might the adjective "transparent" be rightly applied to a Christian?
Using the first definition--"(of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects can be distinctly seen"--I thought of this from 1 Peter 3:15: that we are always to be ready to give an answer for the hope within us. For that hope to be obvious, a certain transparency is required.
The second definition also pertains: "easy to perceive or detect." If my faith is clear, then it will also be transparent.
"Having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived"--the third definition--is also easily connected, with this caveat from Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart for from it flow the issues of life."
Like it or not, a Christian's life is "(of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny," both as an individual and as a member of his or her local church.
When I look at the definition of transparent as "transmitting heat or other electromagnetic rays without distortion," I am reminded that I am to transmit the truth of God's Word equally without distortion.
The final definition--"(of a process or interface) functioning without the user being aware of its presence"--reminds me of what John the Baptist said regarding Jesus: "He must increase and I must decrease." I must be transparent so that Jesus can be clearly seen, intentionally.
posted by Ebeth | 10:31 AM
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