Being vulnerable gives us a freedom to be real with those around us — an ability to not have to mask our truest feelings by presenting ourselves as something more than we actually are.
FREEDOM TO BE VULNERABLE
What are we trying to hide? Is there an expectation or stereotype we are trying to fill? Have we created a Christian subculture that does not allow us to share our real feelings about our sin, depression, anxiety or whatever it may be with each other to make those around us believe that we are doing better than we actually are? And for what reason? God does not need us to lie to ourselves and our peers to receive glory. In fact, God’s glory is most shown when we have the least amount of strength.
When we are at our weakest, God’s power is made perfect in us. Why then do we bolster ourselves and shrink behind pseudo-holy masks day after day? God is bigger than that. So then what are we trying to prove? And to whom? God knows us completely and entirely. He knows our past, present and future. He knows our struggles, hurt, anxieties, fears, temptations, pride and loneliness. God knows it all.
Before attacking the lie that you have to be tidy around your community, it is important for you to understand that you are not tidy. Within the mess of your own life, Jesus, fully aware of all your failures, cannot hide his smile for you. He loves you relentlessly. Though you fall, though you fail and though you still lack so much, Jesus is not over you, nor will he ever be.
STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
We are held in the security of the love of Christ, guarded by God’s intrinsic faithfulness — understanding and believing this works itself out in nothing short of a lifetime. Oh, but what freedom and courage would come to us when facing the words of our peers if we truly believed the Gospel. When we understand the position we have in front of God’s throne as a son or daughter in whom he delights, we can walk fearlessly among the opinions our peers have of us. It is after this that we can be truly vulnerable. Only then do we believe that no matter what we tell anyone about ourselves, whether it be what we are struggling with, or our hurt, what they think or say about us in response does not matter because God, the creator of all things, has made us his own. No opinion can ever outshine his adoption of us.
Walk fearlessly among your peers in vulnerability knowing that there will be fruit that comes of it, understanding that the worst parts about you are already fully known by God. Through the cross of Christ, praise God, he calls you beloved. Let the knowledge of his faithful love strengthen your heart and give you the ability to take off your mask and experience the fullness of living life genuinely. It’s OK to not be OK.
