|
I’d like to blame my mask frustrations on a worldwide pandemic, but if I’m being completely honest, I’ve worn a mask on a regular basis long before it was a city-wide mandate. A mask is after all, simply a covering, a veil meant to disguise, to protect, and to prevent others from seeing the whole picture. I have worn the mask of perfectionism my entire life. I’ve worn that mask to project a particular image of myself. The image I want people to see, but it’s not giving the whole picture. The behind-the-scenes look at my life, I’ve convinced myself, would prevent you from wanting to associate with me and so I keep striving for perfection as a way to protect myself.
Do you wear a mask? Are you hiding behind a façade that’s hard to keep up? A disguise that scares you and makes it difficult to breathe?
Jesus says this: “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” This, added to his sentiment that the Father in Heaven has counted every hair on my head tells me that from God I cannot hide. There is no “masking up” that prevents the Creator from knowing everything about his creation and I am, you are, of God’s making. We are God’s creation and I have it on good authority that God is sick of us wearing masks too! No, not the cloth masks, but the ones we hide behind. God desires for us to live an authentic life with Him and for Him; not a made-up pretend life, but a real one where He is the breath we breathe. Not a perfect life, but a fully present life lived in the company of the Holy Spirit.
Living free from the disguise, however, does require a wardrobe change. One where we daily put on Christ, clothing ourselves in His glorious grace alone. I’ll let you in on a well-known secret; the robe of his righteousness goes with everything in your closet. and it is the only protection we need.
“O God you have searched me and you know me. Lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen. (Psalm 139)
|
