The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. – Genesis 2:25
I was listening to something the other day talking about our greatest fears. What research has revealed is our greatest fears include death, public speaking, and being seen naked. This particular passage in scripture has always captivated me. I wonder what it must have been like for Adam and Eve to be fully exposed and experience no shame. Wow! A life without shame!
I’d like to discuss this concept of being naked. Bear with me for a moment (pun intended; although I know it would be bare and not bear); in a relational context being naked would be multi-faceted. That is, our most intimate physical, emotional, spiritual, and even sexual selves would be fully exposed with NO SHAME. This design for the relationship God created and intended, is truly remarkable!
I believe our deepest desires are to be fully seen and truly known. How comfortable does that make you feel? I would suggest most people spend more energy trying to hide aspects of themselves than they put forth in trying to be seen. What went wrong? Shame enters our story so quickly. I mean, how long were Adam and Eve in the garden before “the crafty serpent [Genesis 3:1]” entered their story? When did he first enter yours?
Thankfully, that’s not the end of the story and, trust me, we will get there.
SPOILER ALERT: Jesus also enters into your story and removes all the shame…if you let him. Wouldn’t it be amazing to live a life without shame? Let’s keep this journey moving forward to that kind of life!
Prayer: God, create in me vulnerability and a desire to be fully seen and truly known. Reveal to me the places of shame from which I continue to hide. Jesus, I invite you to this secret hiding place to begin removing my shame.
Commentaires