Unguarded

You can’t tell everyone everything. In fact, when it comes right down to it, you can hardly tell anyone anything.

My mom always told me to be cautious about who knew what. Some people guard our secrets like their own, praying and holding us accountable to live well. I love this kind of friend and counselor.

Then there are those who ask about stuff in the guise of “prayer requests” (and share it as such) to get the scoop on the latest gossip. Still others store up words as ammunition to be used against us in the future. Sometimes legalists are judgmental, and once we expose an imperfect—dare I say human—side, we’re off their “holy enough to hang out with me” list.

I’m broken. I think that should make me very accepting of others, rather than trying to compete and compare on the moral plumbline. Knowing I can’t measure up to God’s standard gives me permission to step back and let him deal with others as kindly as he’s dealing with me. It lets me be real. Unmasked and transparent with trustworthy mentors. Exposed—flaws and all—to the light that comes through the members of Christ’s body, the Church. And guarded with those who are unsafe.

I can pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” loving other imperfect people because I know who I am… and I’m completely forgiven.

That doesn’t mean I blurt my junk everywhere. But it does make me careful to do my best and leave the rest—the annoyances, the imperfections, the failures—mine and others’ - to a loving Father in heaven, whose name indeed is hallowed and set apart from our own.

Read more: (thanks, Tillie)
*O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:15-17 NIV

*Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Psalm 96:1-4a NI