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The Transparency of the Church
Galatians 1:11-24 says, “11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24And they glorified God in me.”
The apostle Paul had one of the most incredible testimonies of anyone from the early church. He was not some fanatical hypocrite, or some mythical character, but he clearly states the life he use to live, and he does so multiple times in scripture (Acts 22:5; 26:9-11; Galatians 1:13, 23; Philippians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:13). It always seemed like his past was on his tail, haunting him. He could never forget it, but he was not meant to! It was not suppose to be a tool used to judge his life, but rather to give testimony of what the wonderful grace and mercy of God can do for an individual. He was on the Road to Damascus when a light came from heaven that blinded him, and Jesus became surreal to him that it was undeniable. The reason is because God saw the potential he had. If he was this sold out to such a religion, how dedicated would he be to a real God that manifested Himself in such a unique and tangible way?
The reason I believe that he brought up his testimony so many times was because he could reach out to so many people with it. In other words, he was very “transparent,” meaning that he could relate to a great number of people. In the modern-day church, we have two very distinct and diverse cultures. On one end, we have a congregation of members who believe that the minister is to be perfect, never making a mistake. Sure, church leaders are to be the greatest examples and standards of holiness in the body of Christ, but it can almost lead them to a place of pride and arrogance that can eventually result in their downfall. The higher you lift a person up, the harder they fall! Then, on the other hand, we have sheep in the church who are wounded and broken, who needs to know if there is anyone in their circumference that has ever been where they are, and when we have ministers who are cocky, appear to have it altogether and refuse to be transparent, those very people feel like outsiders in the church. Instead of the church being a hospital for the broken, it has been transformed to a religious courtroom, filled with accusers and gossipers. In the ministry, to be most effective, we must have a balance and be the example!
When examining Paul’s life, he was very indoctrinated in Jewish tradition, but after his supernatural encounter with God, everything changed. He recognized the calling upon his life, how that God had a purpose for him, even from his mother’s womb, and now was the time to fulfill it. He could never argue with what happened to him. Paul knew God was commissioning him to reveal Himself through him, and he did not have to ask anyone else’s advice or permission for it. After three days of being blind and Ananias came in the room, laid his hands on him and prayed that he would receive his sight again, he was healed, and he ascended up to the mountains of Arabia, where he remained for three years, seeking the face of God by himself. It sparked a ministry unlike anyone had ever seen besides, of course, Jesus Christ, but he was not exalted in pride through his humble sacrifice. All the glory belonged to God, and he was to never forget His delivering and saving power!
Paul would enter into the ministry, and his ministry would be very transparent. Yes, he was living a standard of holiness, and many times he went and preached against sin and tradition, but he never acted as though he was better than anyone else. He reached out to people, from the greatest philosophers of his day to the poor, beggar man on the streets, becoming all things to all people. I believe that is how all ministers are to be! If we are true ministers and servants of the gospel, we must live a life of sanctification that is rooted deeply in prayer and fasting, but we must be transparent. By being transparent, people do not have to know every specific detail of our lives, but we can cover some spots so that they know that we deal with issues too, especially before we ever turned our lives over to Jesus Christ. Even after we received salvation, we did not automatically become perfect, but we were spiritual babies, having to learn and grow in maturity by distinguishing good from evil. So, if we want to have more effectiveness in the ministry, we must become more transparent, and when we do, we will see the difference in those who are truly hurt, broken and in need of a Savior. They will have a newfound respect for us, and we will notice a change in their attitude towards God, as well as us!