Authentic, Transparent or Holy

If you look at many new ministries core values today, a few words keep popping up.

I see the words authentic and transparent a lot. I believe they both have their merit. However, I do wonder sometimes if we use the words the right way.

First, let me say, I understand the need for us to be real. I want to be approachable. I want to connect. I want to relate. I do not want to come across holier than thou. But on the other hand shouldn’t there be some respect for those on stage teaching God’s word. This has nothing to do with style. I am talking about the substance.

Sometimes I wonder if we don’t use some values as permission to do as we please. When somebody calls us on something, we just point back to our values. When we can cuss, drink, smoke, watch anything they want and brag about, simply because we can. I wonder if we are not missing something. I know some of these issues can be debated back and forth and I have friends on both sides. But where does personal holiness fit in.

James 3  tells us we will be judged more strictly. I think there is a balance somewhere. But what if we focused more on being holy than being authentic or transparent. I know personally I have a long way to go (me being transparent).

I read last week in Amos 5: 23- 24                                                                                                                                                                Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!