Biblical Communication 101

      Upon the recommendation of a mentor and friend I have read through a book by J. Grant Howard, The Trauma of Transparency: A Biblical Approach to Inter- Personal Communication. My initial reaction to the book was to notice the title: "Trauma? That's a little dramatic." This initial response was quickly followed by a thought that not only shed some light on the use of the word trauma, but also put some conviction into my own heart: "I don't like transparency... transparency is a weakness... a true man of strength does not need to let others into his life - his heart and mind." I then noticed the picture on the front cover: a suit of armor that completely covered the "man behind the mask." Not only was the individual hidden from view due to the armor, the armor was also camouflaged into the landscape behind him. Here was a man who would not let anyone in, and as such, could not let himself out.

      Howard's book was separated from other communication books because of his discussion of sin as the real root of the problems faced in communication. His description of the relationships that God, Adam, and Eve enjoyed before the Fall reminded me of my (now) eight year old sister. I remember her innocence in that she had little to no awareness of how the things of this earth could be used for evil. For her, there was no deception, manipulation, or cheating. This afforded her the freedom to say and do things in front of others that I would never think of doing because of my own pride. I was also reminded of how quickly this innocence ceased... how she didn't need to be taught to fear... how her sinful nature was enough to make her mindful of the "necessity"to meet her own needs over the needs of others (pride).

      If sin is the root of the problem, what is the solution? I will address this issue in another post, but for now I leave you with this thought that relates back to one of my initial reactions to this book: is it not transparency a show of strength rather than weakness? True strength lies in ones ability to rest secure in the knowledge that God has resolved all of the important issues in this life through the finished work of Jesus on the cross and in the empty grave. This truth ought to afford me the confidence to not listen to the lie that to truly know and be known is to open oneself to ultimate disgrace. If God has covered me with His grace, then how can I fear.

Serve the King well today,
Jonathan S.

       Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who is known by you and that to know you is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail. Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men. One who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past. And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of a humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never takes himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

(Prayer of General Douglas MacArthur, for his son)

Serve the King,
Jonathan S.