Living in Glass Houses

The other evening, I had the craziest dream that lingered with me long after I woke up. In this dream, my husband and I were deciding between two living arrangements in a new home. The first option was a shared dormitory-style bedroom filled with the chatter and chaos of four other couples. The alternative was an extraordinary private room perched at the very top of the house—a haven of solitude—but with one peculiar feature: glass walls and a glass ceiling. The idea of living in an all glass room struck me as illogical. How could one protect privacy in such a space? Upon awakening, I laughed off the absurdity of the situation.

As my day went on, the imagery of the glass room refused to fade, demanding my attention and reflection. Every time the image reappeared in my thoughts, I dismissed it as a figment of my wild imagination, perhaps a consequence of some, well questionable late night snacking. But no matter how much I tried to brush it off, the image persisted, and with it came a deeper reflection.

What if we all lived in glass houses, where everything we did could be seen by everyone around us? Would we change the way we act? Would secrets crumble in the light of transparency? These questions led me to another realization: shouldn’t we already be living as though we’re in glass houses. After all, no matter how hidden we think our actions or intentions might be, they are all seen by God.

The notion of living in a glass house began to challenge me to reconsider my behavior and choices and the way I live my life. If I truly believe that my actions were seen and known, how would that shape my decisions? Would I be more mindful of how I managed my time? Would I rethink sneaking those late night snacks? Would I exercise more patience and understanding? Would I be more aware of my actions, like the occasional eye rolling or the “huffing” of my breath?

As I reflected on these thoughts some more, I came to the realization that I should always allow my integrity to guide me, regardless of who might be watching? Whether life feels like a shared dorm room or a private sanctuary at the top of the house, the essence of my character should remain steadfast. The essence of my character should always reflect that of Christ’s.

The concept of living in a metaphorical glass house might sound daunting, but in many ways, beauty can be found in the transparency. Transparency allows us to acknowledge imperfections, to embrace shared struggles, and to celebrate strengths forged through trial. It invites us to be honest not only with others but also with ourselves. Rather than striving for perfection or presenting a curated image of our “best selves,” we can seek honesty, kindness, and purpose.

Living transparently invites us to embrace imperfection. It asks us to let go of the masks we wear to impress, shield, or conceal, revealing instead the genuine essence of who we are. It demands that we confront the parts of us we might prefer to hide—our moments of impatience, unspoken doubts and the fears, the controlling behavior we refuse to let go or the small hypocrisies that sneak into daily life. It’s a courageous act that acknowledges shared struggles and celebrates triumphs forged through trial. Transparency encourages us to be honest not only with others but also with ourselves. Just as light passing through a window can bring even the smallest specks into focus, living transparently can highlight the areas of our character that need refinement.

This clarity, though humbling, can serve as a catalyst for transformation. It nudges us to let go of pretense, lay our vulnerabilities at God’s feet.  In doing so, we open ourselves to His guidance, allowing Him to align our values with His will. Additionally, living transparently reminds us to extend grace to others. If we desire understanding and compassion for our own imperfections, we must offer the same generosity to those around us. A glass house is not meant to isolate or shame; it’s meant to inspire growth and mutual respect. By honoring the openness of others, we step closer to building a world where honesty and integrity are celebrated—not feared.

As I mulled over the notion further, I began to appreciate just how much our metaphorical glass houses could also serve as sources of light for those around us. Through the transparency of our own lives, we illuminate the paths for others, offering them the comfort of knowing they are not alone in their struggles or aspirations. In sharing both our victories and vulnerabilities, we foster a sense of community that transcends the superficial facades we often present to the world.

As I continue to reflect on the dream of the glass room, I find myself called to reconsider how I live my life. Do my actions reflect those of Christ? Am I making decisions with authenticity and purpose, aligning them with God’s will? Do I have the courage to fully live with honesty, grace, and authenticity – removing all the masks?

What would your life look like if you lived as though you were in a glass house? Are there any “masks” you wear that shield your true self from others? What steps can you take to live more authentically and courageously each day? Please share in the comments.