Let the Mask Fall!

I posted on social media a quote from a memes page that said "Some of you are angry because you have to wear a mask to go to church but you have done it for years". You will understand that this is a remark based on the current situation. This sparked some reactions from the people who saw and read it. A friend laughed, another imitated a shocked person and the last one transposed the sound of a wiped blow in the belly. All this to say, we can take it in different degrees.

I admit, I was one of those hypocrites. Of these Sunday Christians. Of those who wore the biggest smile, embracing with open arms all those around. I was one of those who knew all of the songs, who raised their hands a little to heaven, who answered the calls. Besides, I cry. A lot. It didn't take much for tears to flow down my cheeks, "touched" by a word, a song, or a testimony.

This is how many, if not all, saw me. But that doesn't mean I was fine. Like many Christian children, I grew up in this environment. But if there was one thing I didn't have, it was the peace of God. I hadn’t really let him act in my life. And then, one day, when I was not expecting him, He spoke to me, directly, in an almost audible way. And I started to follow God.

The road has been long, healing and inner reconstruction have taken time. But the mask of false joy ended up falling. I chose, first of all to drop the mask before the Word of God, It transformed me and allowed me to gradually become true before all. The difficult days? My closest friends know them, so does God. My happiest days? You can absolutely see them on my face. The fights? Mainly led in prayer, but with sincerity.

And you? What's wrong? What is so hard about you? What are your fights? Your struggles? Your moments of loneliness? These times or do you feel like you're going to let go? Anyone know this? Have you made your difficulties known to God? I don't want to appear to you as a critic or with an accusing glance. But what are you hiding behind your mask? What are you hiding that cannot be revealed?

And even bigger question: what is this mask? Pride? The fear? Shame? The fragility? Loneliness? Fear of judgment? Or is it more concrete things like alcohol? Drugs? Pornography? Games? Lying? Cheating? I have put names, but there are others, I will let you find what speaks to you the most.

If you have already heard of Jesus Christ, I invite you to place everything at His feet, to drop the mask, even in front of yourself. Be honest with yourself. Get naked with your feelings, your thoughts. And open up to His work in your life. Whatever that mask, I honestly think you have nothing to lose.

If He is your Lord and Savior, do not let this mask take you away from Him. Don't let your pride take over your relationship with Him. But let yourself be flooded, transformed, overwhelmed by this torrent of love and grace.

If you've never heard of Jesus, and / or His work on the Cross, here's a quick summary: Jesus Christ is God. Born of a woman but conceived by the Holy Spirit. He lived in perfection, never made a mistake in the eyes of God. He was honest, lived a perfect life and not in the sense of ease, believe me. Being God, He was clothed with His power and performed many miracles (healings, walking on the water, feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish). After three “active” years, He was handed over by the religious authorities to the Roman authorities on false charges. He died crucified, undergoing humiliation being exposed naked in front of crowds during his death. He was buried, his grave guarded by soldiers because He had announced his resurrection. On the third day, all those who wanted to pay tribute to him found his empty grave, and the shreds used to embalm him folded at the feet of His "bed". Angels announced his resurrection to those who went to verify that what had been told to them, because nobody understood the prophecies which He had pronounced, nor even those read in their version of the Bible (The Bible, less everything that talks about the life of Jesus). After appearing to His disciples and spending time with them, and performing other miracles, He went up to heaven.

This Jesus is interested in you. And if you wish, you can invite him to reveal Himself to you. He will be able to manifest Himself fully in your life. And it is in front of this Jesus that you can drop the mask.

Whatever situation you find yourself in today, I invite you to discover the Word more, because here is what it says: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it —not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it— they will be blessed in what they do.. ” James 1: 23-25.

I invite you to go on a more personal, more intimate adventure with God, immersing yourself in His Word.

If you made one of these choices: welcome to God's family, or welcome back,
If you have not done so, I invite you to think about it, but no one can force you.
In both cases, be abundantly blessed,
I hope this message has encouraged you,
Have a great week,
Do