I’ve heard so many people over my lifetime talking about having dreams of being naked. They literally are scared to death by these nightmares. Experts have tried to weigh in on what they think it means to have these dreams. Some say it’s personal insecurities. Some say it’s about exposure. Who knows? Bottom line is this. Can you imagine being in front of a bunch of people with no clothes on? This is assuming everyone else is fully dressed. How terrible! That just freaks me out! The thought alone causes me to break out in a clammy sweat. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭9-10‬ NLT) Obviously, this goes way back!

What was Adam and Eve actually afraid of? God formed them. He made them. He certainly knew what they looked like. It wasn’t about their personal appearance. They, unlike us, had nobody else to compare themselves with. They were afraid because they were changed. Something they had never felt before was now their being. Their hearts were literally changed. They were not changed for the better either. Life as they knew it was no more. Oh, how my heart breaks for them. If it had not been them, it would have been me. Not only were they exposed personally, but now they were exposed to another way of life. The light had gone dark. Their minds were racing and full of anxiety. Surely this could not be! Fortunately, we know the story of restoration. God had a plan all along. Redemption was His gift to mankind through the person of Jesus Christ!  

Before we point any fingers, let’s examine ourselves. We all hide nothing from the Creator of the universe. We can dress ourselves up and act whatever part we need to in front of others, but we are completely naked before the Lord. He knows it all. So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ NLT). He’s not fooled by appearances. He’s interested in our motives. We can do the right thing with the wrong motive and He knows. Everyone else may put you on a pedestal but He examines the heart. And, like Adam and Eve, it does no good to try to hide. He’s always aware of your whereabouts. He will not leave you alone. He wants to work in you to make you more like Christ. He’s not shocked by our shortcomings. I think a lot of the time, we’re shocked, but He already knows about it. He wants us to run to Him for mending. He doesn’t want us to hide in shame. He’s made a way for our hurting hearts. 

The same enemy that lured you into whatever is the same enemy who turned the garden of Eden upside down. The author tells us “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ NIV) We have to be on guard against the enemy of our souls. He wants nothing more than to tear you down. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ NIV) Jesus was encouraging us here. He’s basically saying that the enemy wants to destroy but He, Jesus, wants to give us a full life. He exposes the evil one for who he is and what he’s about. 

Exposure is definitely a good thing when it causes us to examine our motives and attitudes towards God and people. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ NLT). This is such wonderful counsel. If our hearts determine the actual course of our lives, we need to be careful who and what we let in. You can be kind and loving towards everyone, but not everyone needs to be given the right to speak into your life. Only wise words that line up with God’s Truth are allowed. Opinions are a dime a dozen. Truth is absolutely priceless when applied. 

Are there areas that God is trying to expose in you? Is He trying to lovingly get you to deal with these issues only to have you sweep them under the rug? Our Savior literally died completely exposed on a cross so that you and I don’t have to live with guilt, shame, condemnation etc. Jesus is the anecdote to whatever is ailing you. He has the answers and the loving support you need as a human being. Run to Him – not from Him. Don’t let your heart be troubled any longer. He doesn’t want to expose you to anything except His mercy and grace. We could all use a little exposure.

Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.