There is a thin line between being secretive and being private. The art of being private is not about being “secretive”. One may assume they are private when they are actually just being secretive, but motive distinguishes the two.
Sometimes people withhold information as a form of power or “leverage” over others. We see this in marriages whereby a spouse withholds finances from their spouse. We see it in family dynamics, whereby secrets are kept in order to control certain family members. Moreover, in churches or businesses, information is partially used or concealed to keep individuals from leaving or from developing their skills, abilities and gifts authentically. In life, much of what we do is constantly exposed by motive!
Beloved, withholding information through secretiveness is a system of controlling people indirectly or directly, which is, in fact, a form of witchcraft. Let us always examine the motives behind our actions.
“…and every proud thing [pretension; exalted opinion; high thing] that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it obey Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:5b (NKJV)
Privacy ought to be an extension branch of discretion, preservation, and wisdom demanded in a season. This is because the value or vision of that season actively thrives through discretion, protection and wisdom; in action. Think of the following biblical characters who were in pivotal seasons that demanded privacy.
- Elizabeth, when she became pregnant at her old age. (Luke 1:23-24)
- Zacharias the husband of Elizabeth, after seeing angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:5-22)
- The young prophet before meeting the old prophet. (1 Kings 13:1-25)
- Mary, the mother of Jesus after the three wise men visited her (Luke 2:13-19) …and many more whose seasons demanded privacy!
Dear reader, can you see how there has to be a vision and purpose behind privacy? Let us do things out of the wisdom of God and purity of heart. Being private is not a trend, a way to look cool, nor a way to usurp power. The art of being private ought to be a lifestyle inspired by God’s very Word and Spirit; in seasons of your life that are DEMANDING privacy. If you haven’t already, go and get your copy of my book, The Art of BEING PRIVATE, order your copy below:
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