Take Off Your Mask

Take Off Your Mask

Mathew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV)

            Every October 31^st, many children all across the country celebrate Halloween. Many of them have on costumes that have their faces hidden. There are masks of every kind on display as they walk around the neighborhoods saying Trick or Treat. They enjoy covering their faces so no one can see the real them. It may even give them a sense of boldness because they can hide under the mask. However, once the mask is taken off, what would you really see? Many of us have masks that we wear throughout our lives. We may have been afraid to take them off for fear of what others would think. But who are we really fooling when God is the one who sees all? 

            Some put on the mask when it comes time for church. Others put on a mask to hide hurt and abuse from their past. Then there are the ones who put on a mask to pretend they are something based upon a label that was given. There are many reasons why people put on masks. This is not to say that all of them are bad, but deep down, are you really being true to who you are? If you were to take off your mask, what would you really see? Would you see someone less confident? Would there be someone looking back in shame? Would thoughts of hypocrisy be shown? Most important, what would God say with the real you?

            Maybe none of the negative apply, but you have worn your mask for so long that no one can see the talented, independent, God-fearing person that you are? If this is you, why do you still have your mask on? Sometimes, we have gotten used to an image that we have outgrown. God is trying to move us forward, but the move is impossible without the separation of the mask. It is easy to hide behind something, but God is saying, "I have covered you with the blood, this is the only covering you need." Step out on faith! Take off your mask! Believe in what God has given you. If underneath is not what it's supposed to be, let God cleanse you and set your mask free.