Confidential: Understanding Privacy, Trust, and Spiritual Transparency

In our interconnected world, the concept of confidentiality touches every aspect of our lives—from personal relationships to professional ethics, and most profoundly, in our spiritual journey. While some things must remain private, others demand transparency before God and fellow believers.

Guarding Sacred Trust

We need to keep a close watch on our tongues so we don't let slip what has been shared with us in confidence. Do not break trust by divulging what is shared with you in strict privacy. Counseling is undertaken on the condition that what is private will stay private. "A man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" (Prov 11:12-13). However, discretion must be used as some information can't be kept confidential, such as a person's threats to others or intentions to self-harm, acts of child abuse or major crime.

The Wisdom of Confession

There is a right time and setting for confessing our sin (not that of others). Firstly this must always be in private to God, "He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Prov 28:13; 1 Pet 2:16; 1 Jn 1:9). Then it may be right to do so before our fellow believers who can pray and support us, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (Jas 5:16). Some aspects of our lives are best dealt with only between God and us.

Living Faith Openly

We are not to keep our Christian life a secret, but live out our faith and speak about our relationship with the Lord as appropriate, "telling what great things the Lord has done for you" (Mt 5:14-16; Mk 5:19). Jesus said we are not to draw attention to our spirituality by publicizing our "acts of righteousness," praying in public and fasting. While we are to engage in these spiritual disciplines, it must be with the right motives of doing it as unto the Lord and not letting our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Mt 6:1-18, 25:40; Col 3:23).

Samson failed to keep the reason for his immense strength confidential, but under pressure from his wife divulged this and she told his enemies who took advantage of him (Jdg 16:16-21).

Reflection and Application:

• Consider how you handle confidential information entrusted to you by others. Are you a trustworthy keeper of secrets?
• Reflect on areas of your life that remain hidden from God. What needs to be brought into His light?
• Evaluate your motives for spiritual practices. Are you seeking God's approval or human recognition?
• Discern when to maintain confidentiality versus when transparency is necessary for safety and accountability.

See also: busybody, confession, Delilah, discretion, gossip, Samson, secret, tongue.