Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Matthew 23:3-4 NKJV

The main problem Jesus had with the Pharisees, was not about their teaching, but with their lives. Their doctrines were bullet-proof, unfortunately so were their hearts. As the writers and story tellers of their day their words demanded that others change their hearts without ever allowing anyone to have a peek into their own.

Yes, the Word of God is true and powerful, but part of the reason that we are touched by its power is that God inspired people – vulnerable people to pen its words. Paul tells us that He was the worst sinner, and a persecutor of Christians. John shares a private moment at the cross when Jesus asked him to take care of Mary, and Peter tells the story of being on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. In the Psalms, David repents openly, loudly, and publicly, after his sordid affair with Bathsheba. Each of these writers left a mark on us, because we can identify with them, and are encouraged that if they could follow Jesus, then so could we.

So, I encourage you that the next time you open your laptop, or put pen to paper, stop and ask, “Am I revealing where I came from, am I writing about what I have personally learned, and am I willing to publicly confess my own sins and failures?” Being vulnerable is not just saying the right things, but it is being willing to reveal our joys, our failures and, our life’s stories and then, through our vulnerability God just may reach down and gently lift a burden that someone else is carrying.