The stores are full of a myriad of colorful costumes every October. Children can dress up like their favorite character and, for one night, become a pirate, superhero, princess, actor, or cartoon figure. They have fun playing make-believe, and receiving candy at every house.
But, there also is the adult version of Halloween that, in many cases, may last year round. On any given Sunday, in any church, you will find those who are all dressed up. There is Danny the Worship Leader, Carol the Choir Director, Eddie the Elder, Sam the Sunday School Teacher, George the Greeter, Annie the Organist, and dozens of other characters.
They all look nice, neat, pleasant and happy. What we do not see is who they are when they remove their costumes, when we see them throughout the rest of the week. Danny sends threatening, and intimidating emails to those who work for him. Carol yells constantly at her three children, and husband. Eddie takes office supplies to use at home. Sam never smiles at anyone, or says hello. George talks about others, to make himself look better. Annie always takes a two-hour lunch.
Perhaps you have seen some of these personalities at your church. But, before we all start pointing out the real person behind the facade, we have to be willing to take off our own mask. Most likely, there are many things we are hiding as well.
24 comments:
Pastor Francis Frangipane says that God has placed each of us on our own Road to De-Mask-us!
Denise,
Well said, and it's sad but sometimes they don't think there is anything wrong with being that way either. We need to pray for them and be able to reach out to them in love as well.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
great post!!
Sad but true and I agree with Kat, prayer is the answer. I think we'd be surprised to see that we all wear some mask of some sort. Some not hiding awful sins but hiding fears and trials because the church has become so condemning. Sadly, believers have become very guarded because the minute you share a personal struggle or even a trial while being obedient (like Job) somehow your brother or sister always looks for sin in the mix. As a result, many are playing the masked game. Sad. Prayer. Good post.
Its true, Denise. We need to be willing to be real - not only in church or even as a Christian. We have to walk to the walk in order for others (non-believers) to see what they are missing.
Thank you for your honesty.
Love & peace,
<>< Iris
Hi sis. How are you? Praying all is well with you. This is true!! And very thought provoking!
God bless and protect you always. Love you in Christ.
One of the things I hate most about myself is when I yell at my kids. I don't do it often. I shouldn't allow it to happen at all. But I'm every bit as bad if you catch me at the wrong moment.
I praise Jesus that the sins for which I feel so awful are all forgiven through His blood. I love the Father for seeing me without condemnation. I thank the Holy Spirit for working out a little more sin from my life, day by day, moment by moment.
Awesome Denise, just Awesome! thank you for sharing. I am been thinking about you and praying for you today.
Much love,
Sue
Ouch. I've been made aware of a few masks. Great message. I love Karen's comment!
Love you lots,
Mary
I was recently involved in 2 church dramas - one of which you've described to a "T" in your post. So so so true!! (I completely agree with One Heart about how people hide for fear of condemnation - great insight!)
Thank you Denise for sharing this and
calling us out to take off any mask we may be wearing! I'm afraid even with your closing remark, others are looking at others instead of themselves.
I have no mask today but I can remember wearing a mask at church like I had it all together, until I let God break it all apart.
Then all my church ever saw was a broken spirit but it was not a mask.
I'm a very honest person and openly share. But I wonder how many even wear masks here in blogland cuz we'd never really know... I pray that God breaks through and frees
people from looking at all the characters and they examine their own... maybe it's the "Got it altogether Gal or Guy"; "Bountiful Blogger"; "Hidden Secrets"; "Super Saint"; "Power-filled Prayer Person"; "Do it all alone"; whatever we all need each other.
... I love your characters, very creative! Good correlation between the season (which I despise)and our church life! Very beneficial letting the truth be seen. People in the public eye show a different side than how they live in private until they're exposed.
Wow!!! Powerful, sis.
Good post! Never can fool God, can we. Always reminded of the verse, 'man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.'
But then I'm also reminded of the comforting verse that tells us He knows our frame and that 'we are but dust.'
How blessed we are to have a kind, loving Father who forgives us for Jesus' sake. (and tells us to go and sin no more)
Have a blessed day, Friend.
Oh Honey, Thank you for laying it out right before us to read, think about, and pray on. As Dr. Phil says, If you don't own it you can't fix it, and we all fall short of being who we were designed to be. I love what Karen said about De-Mask-Us. Who hoo ain't it so!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cleverly worded! A great reminder to be "sincere" in the most literal sense of the word.
Praying for you, Denise--that YOU will continue to glorify God in your body and that HE will glorify Himself in you.
I was taught to be a mask wearer when I was growing up. It took me a long time to finally be willing to reveal the true imperfect me. Insecurity and people pleasing are huge reasons for wearing masks.
When love abounds in our churches...masks will fall.
Great post...very thought provoking.
I loved this, Denise...definitely good food for thought!
Great post, Denise and so true. "Those among you without sin cast the first stone."
Blessings,
Joan
Wow yes that was weeeeeeeeeell said! Unfortunately there are some that would see these actions and attitudes and would be so turned off from God. I pray that doesn't happen.
Thanks for sharing this something to really to think about.
Hope you had a good day!
Hugs,
Sherry
Thanks for the post...definately a lot to think about. I read somewhere that the definition of a hypocrite is someone whose inside and outside is different. You have reminded us that we are all only human, with faults, but with God's grace we can be more aware and we can start new each day and try, try again.
Andie
Great post Denise and a real reminder that we are only human, with flaws, but with God's grace we can begin anew each day and try, try again.
Andie
Great post Denise, a reminder that we are all only human, filled with flaws...but with God's grace we have each day to start anew to try, try again. Thanks
How truly wonderful it would be if we could all take off our masks and be real with each other.
Thank you for sharing.
Love it....true...
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