For the first time ever, wearing a mask is part of life. It’s been on my mind lately. When I go shopping I have no idea if the grocery clerk is happy, annoyed, sad, or bored! I can’t tell what people are saying half the time. It’s pretty annoying and it feels really impersonal.
Part of my testimony is being freed from perfection.
Perfectionism is exhausting and it keeps people at a distance. Maybe the distance isn’t 6 feet physically, but it might as well be, emotionally. I thought being a Christian meant I had to be perfect right away. I didn’t realize this thing called Sanctification. Sanctification is a theological word meaning that we are continually growing towards being more holy like God. It’s a process.
So I put on masks trying to hide my messy life. I wouldn’t let people know that I was struggling.
I ended up being worn out and tired trying to act like something I wasn’t. As I started to grow in my faith I realized, I am not perfect sooooo why am I still wearing a mask? I took it off and got honest with myself, others, and God. Then, I watched as God used my messiness! Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
This is how it would work. I would get honest about my messes, someone else could relate and shared that they struggled with the same thing, and then we could lean into Jesus together. Also, when you know you’re not perfect, when someone confronts you, you’re ready to admit you’re wrong and that you’ve messed up. Then you can grow and learn! It really is a beautiful thing. And you know what… God knows you are human more than you do.
You know who doesn’t need a mask and is perfect? Jesus.
That’s why he died on the cross for your sins.
So that if you abide in him, according to John 15, you will be more patient, good, kind, loving…
And like Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Let Christ take on your messiness and take off your mask.
