Mask wearing is the new norm. It has been declared necessary, even mandatory in some areas. This phenomenon may be for health reasons, but mask-wearing isn’t new. Criminals have used them to hide their identity and their wrongdoings.
Healthy people may wear the visual one for protection, but others wear the invisible one. It’s the mask of hidden character. They are afraid to reveal their real intentions even in everyday life. Very few people know the real person behind the mask. Friends don’t know; even mates do not know. But there is this looming personality hiding behind the mask.
Sometimes they are afraid to reveal the real thoughts and desires of their inner being. Christians make up part of this segment in our society. They want to be outgoing, magnetic personalities for Christ. But they feel safe in the shadows. The spotlight on their lives would show their flaws. Their humanity. The real ordinary person. To open their mouths and engage in a genuine conversation about the Lord would show their lack of spiritual knowledge. That’s what they may think deep down inside, not realizing the other person may feel the same way.
Opening up for the Lord can be scary. Frightening even. But once you put yourself out there, it’s inspiring what you will say. You may also place your spiritual foot in your mouth. The other person in the conversation can’t see it because they know less than you do about the Bible. You haven’t realized that fact because of the fear you imagine. Yes, the concern is real, but only to you. Did you hear yourself? They know less than you. Have you ever thought that thought? It’s true. They just didn’t have the nerve to ask the question. Why? Because, they are afraid, too.
You have heard the expression, “there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.” Nothing is accomplished unless you put your fear aside. A helpless person would perish in a burning building if no one rushed in to help them. People would drown unless somebody jumps into the water to save them. The one who rushes into the burning building or jumps into the water has forgotten their fear.
What kind of fear do you have? Can you get your eyes off of you and look to see where you can be brave? You really can’t plan bravery. It just happens to the ones who are willing to overcome their fears.
Proverbs 29:25 may have the best description. “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (NKJV).
The Lord will take care of you, even if you are afraid.
