Holy Discretion

The last few days have been interesting ones. I usually live a very transparent existence. I say what is on my mind and share what I am studying freely.

It is my conviction to have a purposeful life. If something is put down it is there for a reason. Words should have weight. If something is said it should be said with purpose. If it is withheld it also has a purpose.

Purposefully transparency is a great way to live but every season demands some variation and I have been convicted these last few days to withhold some of what I am thinking and not share all that I am studying because edification and growth is my ultimate purpose.

I hope that makes sense. This isn't a comfortable way to live but at times it is a necessary one that we don't speak about. Liars withhold until they are infected by their own lie and even begin to believe them. Many people withhold for the wrong reasons but there is also a right kind of withholding.

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:15 KJV

God endures in longsuffering.

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV

He has secrets that He doesn't share.

I find myself asking the question, 'Why do I feel compelled to withhold this or that?' because not sharing sometimes feels like a burden.

Embarrassment isn't a good reason to withhold nor is shame. Those are not spiritual motivations.

I think God shows us some things purely for our prayer life. We don't say anything about them to anyone but God and that is right and true because those 'spoken words' would not do anyone else any good.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 KJV

This is an amazing verse. Perhaps in the context of this topic we can look at others and realize that people carry things they can not or will not talk about and we can be prayerful for them knowing that we also have things we don't say or do because the timing just isn't right.

"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." - Luke 8:16-18 ESV

Yes.

Can God trust us? All will eventually be revealed but can we live in a holy confidentiality because we have a redemptive purpose?

God help us. Give us transparency in what might be embarrassing about ourselves but give us discretion in matters of edification. We are Yours and all that we do (or don't do) is Yours also. Keep us from false burdens. Help us to know when to be quiet and when to speak. Teach us Lord. Thank You God.

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