“Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 NLT)
Historically masks have been used for many purposes, and they are commonly worn by healthcare professionals. I am not sure I would recognize my dental hygienist without one. They are a familiar and vivid element in many traditional pageants, rituals, ceremonies, and festivals such as Halloween. In order that people wouldn’t recognize him, the legendary Zorro wore one over the upper half of his face. Theatrical masks play two roles – one for the wearer and one for the viewer. In Phantom of the Opera, the main character is forced to hide his face because of physical disfigurement while also symbolizing his vulnerability and the injustice from which he suffers. On the TV reality competition, The Masked Singer, celebrities performed while wearing head-to-toe costumes including face masks that conceal their identity from other contestants, panelists, and the viewing audience.
During health crises, people wear a facial covering because they are motivated by ethics or fear, having been told it symbolizes concern for others as well as a guard for their own well-being. In ancient cultures, masks were worn by those who wanted to disguise themselves from participation in acts of hedonism. These days, there are those who cover their face with a mask of happiness so that others do not see their loneliness. In current times, it is not unusual for us to become remarkably accustomed to wearing a mask of pretense. Even for those who know God, the ‘Good Christian Mask’ can play a prominent role in one’s life at times. Whatever the reason, God always knows and understands the person behind it. God sees through your mask, right down to the real you. He sees all the flaws, mistakes, and failures . . . yet He loves you completely and unconditionally. David understood this when he said, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (Psalm 139:7 NLT). When it comes to our relationship with God – there is nowhere to escape His love, and no mask will hide us from Him.
Wearing a mask all the time can be harmful by preventing us from developing genuine relationships. Instead of building one another up and encouraging each other in the faith, we pretend that we are just fine as we hide behind our mask. It’s important to also understand that those flaws we attempt to cover also prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God. Rather than spending time trying to impress others as we mask our true self, we must try to pursue an honest relationship with Him and rely on His strength. By doing so, it becomes the work of the Spirit to remove the veil. The apostle Paul stated it this way: “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). Instead of striving for other people’s approval and praise, live to please God alone – no matter what others think of you. Remove that mask you are wearing and adapt to the world around you. Establish your identity on earth by shifting your focus on becoming a disciple of Jesus. Don’t hide behind a mask . . . know that Jesus would tell you He’s been looking to see the real you for some time!
REFLECTION: Do you ever try to make yourself look better than you sometimes are? What masks do you find yourself wearing in order to face the world? How does growing in Christ change us by allowing freedom to remove those masks that hinder an intimate, spiritual relationship with Him? In what ways can you help others come to the realization that what they are masking will be loved by God?
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