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Kalled2Preach said:
I believe that we as Christians should be completely open and vulnerable because it is right. We are not to lie to each other and hide from each other, and we are deffinitely not to try and hide our sins and mistakes from God.

Also, if we can't be open and vulnerable and honest in church, then where can we be honest? The church should be where we can be MOST open and vulnerable, not least.
Is it right to throw Hand Grenades into the worship service every Sunday? What about the weaker brethren and sisters in the Church? Its not that "we can't be open and vulnerable and honest in church," but that we should use wisdom in doing so. One is not lying if he does not say all that concerns himself and God. Is God a liar for He did not tell us who all the elect are? Though one should always be honest, one must use wisdom in sharing anything. There is a time to share and a time to shut-up. Moreover, just what part of the worship service was all this going to take place and still keep things decent and in order?

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Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Proverbs 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

Proverbs 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
Illustration: A pastor was very honest. He told it all from the pulpit. He spoke of his smoking dope, his alcoholism, his problem with pornography, and so forth. Weeks later it was discovered that many members of the Youth Group began looking at pornography on the Internet. When caught they said something to the effect, 'if the pastor can get forgiveness for it, so can we.....' Even Christ spoke in parables at times so others would not know the truth! (Matt 13:10-13; Deut 29:4; Jer 5:21; Ezk 12:2). Furthermore, He hid part and parcel of His plan from His disciples early on, so they would not be discouraged---wisdom, as He used the time to build them up ...

Confessing our sins one to another (James 5:16) does not necessarily mean to the WHOLE Church (though there may be a valid time for this; i.e. Church discipline). In context it speaks of telling them to the elders when one is ill ... Moreover, it is wise to have an accountability partner (I suggest 3) in which you share different things with depending on their strengths and weaknesses.

USE Wisdom.

Reformed and Always Reforming,