READ: Acts 4:34-5:11
Named for its two creators, the Johari Window (named after Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham) presents the four ‘window panes’ of our concept of self: (1) what we and others see; (2) what we see but others do not; (3) what others see but remains unseen to us; (4) what neither we nor others can see. Although developed from a secular perspective, the idea is practical and applicable, with the significant exception that while there are parts of ourselves that are unknown to us and others, every part of who we are is known by God (1 Corinthians 13:12).
In the story of Ananias and Sapphira, part of the lesson rests in the connection between their story and the events mentioned in the latter part of Acts 4. We all sin; to believe otherwise is a form of deception in and of itself (1 John 1:10). However in our fallen nature there is also the desire to hide (Genesis 3:8-10). We see from Ananias and Sapphira that much of our struggle with deception has to do with our creating an appearance for others.
Salvation doesn’t come from others’ opinions; it comes only as we stand stripped of our pretense before the cross and confess our desperate need for God’s grace. We can look the part, but the reality of who we are becomes apparent when no one is looking. No one, that is, but God.
Though He already knows all we’ve said, done, and will do, we must first be transparent with Him because doing so is a recognition of His sovereignty. Next, we will be unable to be real with others unless we stop trying to convince ourselves we’re something that we’re not.
Finally, true transparency with God will transfer to our transparency before others. Then, and only then, will we be the real deal. —Regina Franklin
