Naked, and not ashamed: Openness and vulnerability

“They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25). In seeking to understand the deeper truths of Scripture, we need to note carefully what it says, but then also to ask what it means. And there's always more. In particular, there's more here than physical nakedness.  After talking about how the Word of God penetrates even to the thoughts and intents of the heart,  the writer to the Hebrews says “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (4:12, 13).  Can you imagine standing before the all seeing eyes of God, knowing that He knows everything you ever said, did or even thought, the good, the bad and the ugly, and yet have no sense of either guilt or shame? This was Adam and Eve before the fall.  And because of the mysterious work of Jesus Christ on the cross,  you and I can have this too (John 3:16; Isaiah 61:7). It's one of the benefit of the cross, but it is not automatic.  There's more to say!

But none of this is in view here in Genesis, rather the verse points to the innocence, openness, vulnerability and intimacy that Adam and Eve had with God,  and with each other before the fall. It also gives a clue as to what we are praying for,  when we pray Kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).  Researcher Dr. Brene Brown has deep insight into vulnerability and shame. She I defines vulnerability as emotional risk, exposure and uncertainty.  She declares that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather it is our most accurate measurement of courage.  For most of us our experience of being vulnerable was not safe. But vulnerability, Dr Brown tells us, is the birthplace of innovation and creativity and change (i.e. growth – search Youtube)!

Openness, vulnerability and intimacy is, of course,  what we want (need) in the  marriage relationship. And when we come to the place where we think we have found Mr/Mrs right, what Danny silk calls the “la la factor” comes into play. You know the rose coloured glasses with which we see each other, and as a consequence, let down all boundaries.  Then,  when reality kicks in (usually after marriage),  and we start to see brutal truth that our partner is trouble (you are too by the way),  then the sense of betrayal goes deep. It's one of the reasons why so many divorces are so nasty,  and bitter.  One of the goals in Dany Silk's “Defining the Relationship” course, is to help couples get past the “la la factor” and get real.  This side of the fall,  all relationships are hard. And unless we are willing to do the hard work of what the Bible describes as “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17), our relationships are bound to fail. Iron sharpening iron,  is the picture the Bible paints of the refining process that takes place as, without blame or judgement, we lovingly work through our faults and differences.  

Father, for most of us, even the mention of shame brings anxiety. Thank You Lord for Your assurance that though we are flawed, yet we are fully accepted in the beloved (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 1:6).  Let the truth and reality of this sink deep into our hearts Lord. Then give us the courage to start the process of living in openness and vulnerability in Jesus Name Amen