Grace-Filled Wisdom for Church Leaders Navigating LGBTQ+ Realities Part 5

Acts 6:10, "But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke."

"Wisdom is a capacity of the mind; in the OT it involves both knowledge and the ability to direct the mind toward a full understanding of human life and toward its moral fulfillment. Wisdom is thus a special capacity, necessary for full human living, but one which can be acquired through education and the application of the mind." [1] 

How Vulnerable Should You Be?

While you want to be transparent and honest, how much do you share and with whom? The apostle Paul confessed publicly, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Tim. 1:15). His audience was as broad as it could be, but his specifics were quite vague. While he did not minimize his sin, he did not describe it in lurid detail. As you prayerfully think through what to share, consider the following:

Your audience: Will it be the entire church on a Sunday morning, a small leadership team, a single-gender retreat, or a counseling situation? What’s their maturity level and background?

Distance in time. How long ago did the experience you might share happen? General wisdom is not to share something very recent—“Last night . . .” You want to have dealt with the matter with God before you share it.

Level of detail. There is no need to be salacious, as this can tempt others and focus on your sin rather than on Christ’s grace.

Who else is in this story? Do you have permission(s)?

Reason for sharing. What are your motives, and what do you gain? It’s good to show humility and authenticity and to model transparency and confession. But it’s not good to scandalize, get attention, shock people, or try to soothe your conscience at the expense of another. The focus should ultimately be drawn to the redemptive power of Christ and not to you.

People can only follow your model if you share your life, so even in this sensitive area, it is essential to be transparent when you share appropriately. In the correct settings, your level of vulnerability will set the pace for everyone else.

When we are transparent and authentic, we invite others into the open where they, too, can encounter God’s amazing grace that heals and restores his unconditional love that embraces us unfailingly. As you seek God’s restoration and receive God’s grace, you give hope to others in their journeys.

[1] Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. "Wisdom, Wisdom Literature." Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible 1988: 2149. Print.