Open: Openness and Being Open

The concept of openness in Scripture encompasses honesty in our dealings, spiritual receptivity to God's voice, willingness to receive counsel, and the courage to step through the doors God places before us.

Speaking and Living Truthfully

There should be honesty and transparency in our dealings with others, although obviously some information is private and not for public disclosure. The Bible tells us to speak truthfully yet with love (Eph 4:15). Whatever we do or say should be motivated by love – wanting the best for the other person – not with any malicious intent or with masks hiding ulterior motives.

Paul asked for prayer that whenever he opened his mouth, words would be given him to boldly declare the gospel (Eph 6:19). The Lord's word in the Old Testament was, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it" (Ps 81:10). This implies that if we step out in faith at the Lord's prompting, He will give us the words to speak (Ex 4:15, 19:6-7; Ezek 3:4).

Everything is open before Him, to whom we will give account – Hebrews 4:13

Hearing and Seeing Spiritually

Even as Jesus opened physically deaf ears, we need Him to open our spiritual ears so we can hear "What the Lord says unto His servant" throughout the day, and especially when reading the Bible. By asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures our spirit can be fed (Josh 5:14; 1 Sam 3:9; Ps 119:18). Obedience is the logical response to the direction given.

Pray that your spiritual eyes are open to see God working for you in ways that are not visible in the natural (Gen 50:20; 2 Kgs 6:17). Often, when consumed with trials and problems in life, we are oblivious to the Lord's provision and presence (Gen 21:19; Num 22:31; Lk 24:31,45).

In the Bible the heavens were termed 'open' on several occasions – indicating an unrestricted glimpse into the spirit realm that, although real, is beyond our visual comprehension (Mt 3:16; Act 7:56, 10:11).

Nothing is hidden from God's sight, even though we might consider no one has seen (Lk 8:17). When the Book of Life is opened, will my name appear in it? (Rev 20:12-15).

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from Your law – Psalm 119:18

Open Doors and Open Minds

We should also listen to and consider the advice of others, specifically those who are mature, learning from their experiences what pitfalls to avoid and the good points to incorporate into your life. Likewise, view any given situation without prejudice, for those with open minds have the possibility to consider new approaches as "It is folly to discard a matter before you have even heard it"; after hearing different ideas you can analyse and choose your response from a logical and informed position (Prov 10:14, 18:13).

Jesus taught that through persistent praying and action (knocking) the obstacle or door (currently shutting off what is desired) will be opened (Lk 11:9). God opens and shuts doors of opportunity, it is up to us to respond and walk through them in response to His invitation (1 Cor 16:9; Rev 3:7-8,20). By our attitude we can be open, welcoming and sensitive to His Spirit or hard, resistant and closed.

I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut – Revelation 3:8

However, we must also discern whether the doors of opportunity presented to us are truly godly direction, or whether Satan is presenting a forbidden pathway before us — just as he did with Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen 3:1-6). Not every open door is from God; wisdom and spiritual discernment are needed to distinguish between the two.

Reflection and Application:

Am I speaking truthfully with love, or do my words carry hidden motives?
Have I asked the Holy Spirit to open my spiritual eyes and ears today?
Am I genuinely open to the counsel of mature believers, or do I dismiss input before hearing it?
What doors is God opening before me, and am I willing to walk through them in faith?