Of course, our family has the pillowcase technique down where every few blocks we unload our stash into pillowcases in a stroller or wagon. Our 4 boys don’t get super excited about dressing up but when you throw free candy in there everyone is all in. They each dig into the costume box and start the process. Scary mask, a superhero, silly clown mask, or ninja mask, each have the same result…free candy.
Over the years I have worn so many different costumes on my pursuit to free candy. But as I reflect on my journey with Christ, I sadly admit I have done the same in my walk with Jesus. I have so many masks that I put on and off. Some of my favorites are the “I got it all together mask” or my “super savior mask” or my "_____."
One of the things about surfing is that you can’t hide behind an “I am good surfer mask." There are no masks in the water. The ocean has a way of splitting the crowd up very quickly by who can surf and who can’t. Each time you paddle out, your mask is left on the shore.
This is just how God wants us. Unmasked and authentic. God sees directly into our hearts and cares about what’s on the inside. He doesn’t want us to pretend to be something we are not, because he created us so uniquely in his image. When we try and pretend to be something we aren’t we are telling him that what he created isn’t good enough. We can come to the throne of grace, let down all our masks and just be with the Father.
God challenges us “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). God is asking us to take off our masks and be genuine before him and his people. What mask are you wearing that you need to take off today?
Let’s all go into God’s presence today and pray
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." (Psalm 86:11)
