Mask: a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise or to amuse or terrify other people.
Masquerade: a false show or pretense.
I am a thinker so, here is what the Spirit has been talking to me about. A few years ago at church we had a drama team and one of the dramas they would do is masquerade. At that time in my life I remember thinking, "That is so many people in the church, but not me." And now at this time in my life I believe the Holy Spirit has brought that back to my remembrance to reveal to me, "You are now wearing a mask."
Masks can come in many different styles just like sin, His Word in Romans 12:14 says whatever isn't of faith is sin. WOW! That's hard. This day and time that isn't allowed to be spoken and especially being in a pastoral position. Well, often times it will hit our homes before it does anyone else's. I guess that is so that when we press through we can help teach others then they have a chance to see that if we have made it through something hard they can as well.
Romans 12:9 TPT "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." This is just one verse and version that actually uses the word mask in the Bible. Mask come in many different colors, shapes and even layers. For example, anger, bitterness depression, fear (this is a big one), no confidence, pride, adultery, lying and the list goes on.
Casting Crowns sing the best song I have found that describes the church people. Stained Glass Masquerade. We are to be a light with power and able to overcome everything this life has to throw at us. 1 John 5:4 "You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world." The only way I have found to take the mask off is with being true to God, myself, others and be an encouragement to everyone around. So encourage one another with these truths.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
James 5:13
John 14:16
Hebrews 11:3
I declare that I am by faith and with the power He has equipped me with taking off my mask! I am becoming the person He says I can be!
Love,
Angie White
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