Read: John 4:1-32
Memory Verse: John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
If you ever become a witness in court you usually have to make a statement like this before you testify: “I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” The woman at the well told the truth in verses 16-18, but it was not the whole truth, and she was speaking to God!
We are good at only telling part of the truth, even to God and ourselves as well as other people. “I’m ok (except for the depression I keep struggling with).” “Our marriage is good (even though we argue all of the time).” “The kids are great (although they never obey me and talk back to me).” “I’m right with God (even though I looked at porn on the internet last night.)”
We are so afraid of telling the truth because we are worried about what other people will think of us. The woman even avoided being around other people by coming to the well later in the day so people wouldn’t see her and judge her. After the woman met Jesus and got saved, she didn’t care what other people thought anymore. “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29)
God isn’t asking us to air all of our “dirty laundry” for the world to see, but He does want us to be honest and transparent, starting with him. He knows it all anyway, so why try to hide it? “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13)
Meditation for the Day: Are you transparent and honest with God? How about other people around you like your spouse, parents, mentors, and friends?
Assignment: Choose one thing in your life that you are going to be transparent and honest about with God and three other people and then do it.
For Fun: Choose something funny about you that you have never told anyone. Share the story with three people.