Truth and Transparency = Trust
Trust . . . Not by the way of the world, but by the way of Jesus
Since I started writing on this topic, the words “truth” and “ transparency” have been all over. I have heard them in sermons, news videos, seen them in articles. It always fascinates me how when a subject comes to mind, it appears elsewhere . . . Not just because I am focused on it, but because God is focusing the world on it.
The Bible has a lot to say on the subject:
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18 NKJV
I started going through verses in the Bible that contained the word “truth”. Needless to say, there are a lot . . . Around 300, depending on which version of the Bible you enjoy reading. Here are a few more:
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:16-18
“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8
“But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”” John 3:21
“The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” Psalms 119:160
“For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 1:3-4 NKJV. I have no greater joy either! Thank the Lord that my children do walk in His truth.
“Transparency” is not found in the Bible, but its affect can be felt in relationships. It describes the ability to see clearly what lies beyond or behind. Nothing hidden. Completely open. Completely honest.
“transparent - adjective - Merriam-Webster
2a:free from pretense or deceit : FRANK
b: easily detected or seen through : OBVIOUS
c: readily understood“
“transparency” - noun - American Heritage dictionary
“The quality or state of being transparent”
Put these two words, truth and transparency, together and they lead to “trust”. Can you think of someone you trust explicitly because you have no doubt of their motives or thoughts about anything they say or do? Sounds almost impossible to exist in reality. But it can exist. And when it does you can almost be certain that God has entered the life of that person.
The word “trust” is used 186 times in the New King James Version of the Bible. In most cases it refers to how we can trust Creator God. But how we trust Him is how we can trust His children when they are also trusting in God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5
“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:5
“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Psalms 40:4
“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8 . This verse is at the very center of the Bible!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7 NKJV
Relationships, personal or business, flourish when there is trust. However, trust is fragile. It can be easily lost. It needs to be nourished and protected with integrity . . . Which contains the elements of truth, transparency and also honesty. When trust is broken, sometimes it can never be restored, and if it is restored, it takes time. Trust broken causes the death of relationships, dissolution of partnerships, businesses, marriages. Such an important and necessary part of a healthy society . . . Trust.
The best way I know of to protect trust in any relationship is by following Jesus and His example of telling the truth with love, being open and honest about everything.
The thought just crossed my mind, too, when we strive for that openness and honesty because we want to be trusted and we want to protect our relationships, that striving becomes a habit. It is part of the growth process of being a follower of Jesus Christ. It is expressed in Romans 12:1-2. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
in that process we live with more intention to do the right thing, we think twice before speaking, use caution in the things we do or expose ourselves to. We avoid being in any circumstance that we would feel a need to hide from others. No lies. No excuses. Just transparency and truth.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8