James 5:16 calls us to live an open life: “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you will be healed.” You must learn to be transparent, and be quick to repent when you stumble.

Transparency requires you to open your heart with your close friends, or with those who are mentoring you. Don’t allow secret sin to fester in your soul. Choose to live with accountability. Confess your sins quickly. Don’t hide your struggles. Allow God to heal the areas of your life you are ashamed of. Then you will become an effective discipler of others.