The word clarity is used to describe something that is clear, simple, or precise. If it is something spoken, clarity means that the message has been communicated efficiently and effectively. If it is an object, like a diamond, clarity refers to its ability to allow light to pass through it without obstruction.

Both meanings are important. In Christianity, both the message and the messenger require clarity because the message and the messenger are inseparable. The messenger (you and me) is the Word becomes flesh — a living example of the message of redemption and transformation. If the messenger lacks clarity (holiness), then the message will lack clarity (God’s glory). That point is so important; I’m going to repeat it: If the messenger lacks clarity, then the message will lack clarity.
Clarity in the Message

The primary message of the church is the good news of Jesus Christ as identified in the Great Commission and the Ministry of Reconciliation. See Matthew 28:18-20 and II Corinthians 5:11-21.

Paul addressed this topic while writing to the church in Corinth. They had become entangled in silly arguments over the popularity of spiritual leaders. They had lost the clarity of the message. Paul corrects them with this statement found in I Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except for Jesus Christ and him crucified.” That’s clarity in the message.

His statement is equally clarifying for us today. The temptation to proclaim other messages is strong. The church and its leaders can gain notoriety and wealth by talking about politics, finances, social issues, and the environment. We can get distracted by endless debates over end-time prophecies, miracles, angels, church governance, and, yes, pandemic protocols. If the good news of Jesus Christ gets lost in these distractions, then the church and its leadership have failed. Above all else, the church must declare loud and clear the good news of Jesus Christ!

Clarification: It is the mission of the Church to declare the good news of Jesus Christ and to raise up Christ-obeying disciples. Again, see Matthew 28:18-20. Those disciples will then be prepared to speak on many valuable topics as the Spirit guides, equips, empowers, and emboldens them. See Ephesians 4. If the church doesn’t do its job, then disciples won’t be prepared to do theirs. My friends, message clarity for the Church is vital!
Clarity in the Messenger

The message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is one of full redemption resulting in continual life transformation toward Christlikeness. The message is authenticated through both word and deed as the believer humbly gains holiness through the process of sanctification. Ever-increasing clarity (holiness) results in the release of ever-increasing light (God’s glory). Paul makes the connection between clarity and light in Philippians 2:14-16, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

A diamond provides an excellent illustration of the connection between clarity and light. For the beauty of a diamond to be revealed, it must be cut, ground, polished, and placed in the light. An uncut diamond left in the shadows looks no different than any other stone. Light and clarity are what make a diamond beautiful. The greater the clarity of the stone, the greater the brilliance of the light passing through it. The beauty is not in the stone; it is in the light passing through it.

The same is true for the believer. Yielding to the sanctifying work of holiness allows God’s glorious light to shine through the believer. My friends, it’s never about us; it’s always about God’s glorious light. Sin and pride must be cut, ground and polished away until all that remains is ever-increasing clarity (holiness) and light (God’s Glory). Paul spoke of this ever-increasing glory in II Corinthians 3:17-18, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

In Ephesians 5:27, Paul described the clarity and holiness of the Church as, “A radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

He connects holiness and light as he encourages his spiritual son, Timothy, to live a life of clarity, “I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” I Timothy 6:13-16.

As Christians, are we taking clarity seriously? Are we allowing God’s power to transform us and make us holy? Are we yielding sinful and prideful areas of our lives to the cutting, grinding, and polishing of the Lordship of Jesus Christ? If we are, then our ever-increasing holiness will result in the ever-increasing light of God’s glory shining through us. We must remember that we are more than the messenger; we are also the message – the Word become flesh. Let’s live like it.