Being an open book can mean many different things to people. It can mean ‘telling it all’ or being yourself, for other’s it could mean becoming an advocate for a cause or making a public stand for the things are are for and against. For me personally, I think it means being truthful and honest with God and the people around you. Now this doesn’t mean actually expressing everything you think out loud – that would be a mess right! We can be too quick to talk and end up hurting others. Our words can get us into trouble and we can never get them back. So it’s important to really filter and think before we take the step to being OPEN. Did you know being an open book can also be a reflection of your actions. It’s not all the time you have to speak – listening is a very important quality too. (Psalm 139 v 23-24).
So check out below three area’s I think will help us all to be open books…
Check Your Circles
Don’t be afraid to speak out. It’s good to be meek, but that doesn’t mean being quiet all the time, which is something I am personally learning about. If you want to become an ‘open book’ this means your personality and opinions will be exposed so you should be prepared to stand strong in your faith and anything you believe in. Do not behave in certain way to some people and then a false way to others just to please them -this is deceptive. If you feel you have to do this but know in your heart it is wrong, that is probably a warning sign about the environment you are in.
Be Transparent
Being closed in and lying to please others is detrimental to you and your personal and spiritual growth. It’s hard sometimes to share information about yourself with people and it is definitely an area where one should be discerning and guard their heart. I’m not telling you to broadcast your life story for all just for the sake of being open. But what I am saying is it’s the first step for people getting to know you – for YOU. You see the beauty in being transparent about who you were, are or where you have come from is that it could be a gateway for someone else in the same situation, on a journey wanting to reach the other side. It’s liberating and gives others a sense of hope.
Behind Closed Doors
If you are struggling with any issues by yourself and you are not a very open person it may be hard for you to reach out to people – even God. Acknowledging your issues is not a weakness. In fact it shows your acceptance of needing help and taking ownership. No matter how much you think you can hide from people you cannot hide from God. He knows your thoughts and actions before you even do them. Be open with Him and those you trust about the things that you struggle and battle with and say hello to freedom. (Psalm 139 v 1-4)
If you are not sure who you can do this with, pray that God will reveal the right people to you. It may be hard at first, but you will soon see the benefits! Our natural instinct is to not share anything about ourselves based on fear, we hold you back from what may be good opportunities and great friendships. So I challenge you to open the door, open your book to freedom and start having heart to heart conversations with people and God and see freedom reign!
By Janet Kutin