Today’s blog is called Master Masker. I don’t know about you, but this mask on mask off society we are living in is wearing me out. But, it also got me thinking. We have all been wearing invincible masks way before this pandemic. Think about it. We wear a mask for work, as a wife, as a parent, maybe even as a leader. What do I mean by this? We don’t show our true selves, rather we show the self that has been expected or projected.
I wonder, how fast do we remove one mask to just put on another? How many masks do we have in our heart closets? The real question I want to pose is how many can we remove for good?
Here are three ways to remove your mask today:
Lean into love: I have found the only reason I wear a mask is to be approved by another. But, when you truly feel approved by your Heavenly Father, the approval of man fades and the mask comes off.
Being confident of your identity in Christ: This removes the pressure of having it all together, and again, another mask comes off.
Focus on the fruit: Love, joy, peace, kindness, long suffering, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control. When we are walking in the fruits of the Spirit daily, it allows us to forget about the masks and focus on doing kingdom things that will last. This becomes a generational goodness thing.
“Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous.”
-Romans 12:9 TPT
When you know the Master, there is no longer a reason to live a life as a master of masks. We no longer have to ask others how they are doing, for when you learn how to live beyond the mask, you can just see it. We believe what we see is real. When you are truly being your authentic self, you are revealed, and that’s how you know you can live a life that will last, for you are no longer living behind the mask.
Here’s my mask analogy:
We believe the mask protects us, but actually it’s hurting our ability to breathe in other’s love and connect. A mask can be perceived as arming yourself against another, but it’s harming, for the full level of love cannot be received when the mask defenses are up.
Will you accept the mask challenge today? If you do, please share this blog with someone else. I believe for true lasting friendships, we must come as we are and believe that is enough. No pretense, masks, insecurities and all. For every time we feel one fall, it is a gain that will heal us all. I hope this starts a vulnerable conversation about what masks you might be wearing and which ones you are ready to take off. Accountability is key to your mask recovery.
This song came to mind as I was writing this blog. I hope you enjoy listening to it as I have.
Casting Crowns – Stained Glass Masquerade
Until next time,
Stay Tender.
Connect to the Mender.
Be a Sender.
P.S. For a deeper dive into two passages of scripture that talk about a mask/veil and the veil being torn, please read Exodus 34:29-35 and I Corinthians 3:7-18. It’s just good stuff.