Worth It

Worth It

I remember as a young kid, one of my close friends Brent and I would stay the night at each other’s house in the summers and talk about whatever was on our mind. As years went by, we were more honest and open about whatever it was that we were thinking about, worrying about, or wanting to do in our life. I can’t remember exactly how old I was, when it hit me like a ton of bricks, that Brent knew a lot of information about me. I mean, it really hit me. I felt exposed, I felt worried, I began to play out in my head all the potential ways he could use the information I shared to hurt or mock me. None of what I felt had anything to do with Brent. He was a great friend, there were so many stories of when I needed someone to stand with me and he did. He had stood with me, encouraged me, and helped me in countless situations. 

I’m not sure exactly what to call that, but I know I and so many others have experienced that same feeling of panic or worry when feeling overexposed. Vulnerability is a big deal. 

In 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 Paul says to the church in Corinth “Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!”

Paul was talking to the Corinthians about how they were frequently falling into offense. They were constantly upset and they were blaming what was going on and the people around them for it. Paul let them know, it wasn’t an outward issue, it was an inward issue.

Relationship, vulnerability, openness is totally worth it. It’s life-giving and in fact, it is a crucial component to discipleship. My encouragement to you, as well as to myself, is let’s ask God to search our hearts, for all that we’re feeling, all that we’re struggling with, and ask Him is this an outward or an inward issue? 

Then let’s allow Him to help heal, strengthen and empower us to live open and free!

Love you!

 -Daniel