We are currently in a series called “No Perfect People Allowed” that deals specifically with the grace of God provided to us through Christ Jesus. It has been a great reminder for me as I have prepared these messages that I truly am nothing without Christ. Yet even as I have been reminded of this fact I have also been reminded how often I try to wear the “perfect” mask.

Why do I do this? Why do I so often hide behind the mask? Why do I continue to feel the need to try and make myself look better than I am? As I have reflected on the mask I so often hide behind it has become clear that there are several different reasons I reach for the mask. Here is my confession.

Reason #1: I am trying to please people instead of God.

This is a killer and something I am not proud to admit! It is amazing how often I find myself far more concerened with what people think of me than what God thinks of me. When I am focussed on what people think over how God sees me in Christ I always reach for the mask. I am learning more and more to find my confidence and approval in Christ alone. As I am reminded that through Christ I am a new creation it becomes much easier to put down the mask. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters.” If I am living to please people it is impossible for me to please God. It is only when I live for Christ alone that I can find the courage to drop the mask.

Reason #2: I am embarrassed by my Sin.

I have too often bought into the lie that because I am a pastor I can’t let anyone know that I still struggle with sin. Even though I know I am not super human, I am simply a sinner in need of a Savoir who happens to make a living leading the church, I feel the need to act like I always have it all together. However, this is a miserable way to live and can only be done hiding behind a mask! What I am learning in this struggle is that when I refuse to be honest about my struggles I am robbing God of His glory and the credit He deserves for using a broken sinner like me. If I hide my sin and struggles I am basically trying to show the world that I have no need for Jesus because I have it all together. Nothing could be further from the truth! It is only because of Christ that I have been forgiven! It is only because of Christ that I have been made new! It is only because of Christ that I can serve as a Pastor. Everything good in me is a result of what Christ has done to save me from my sin! In reality, the mask of perfection ends up hiding the work that Christ has done in me because the only way to see the power of God at work in my life is to acknowledge my need for Him and admit that it is only by His grace that I live! I cling to Romans 8:1! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

I say all this to say that I am learning to put down the mask. It is not easy but I have come to believe there is so much freedom in admitting that I am not perfect and it is only by the grace of Jesus Christ that I can do anything worth anything! He is my hope! He is my life! He is my everything! I guess a more appropriate title for this series would be “No Perfect Pastors Allowed”!

This past Sunday we did Cardboard Testimonies at Cedarcrest. This was a huge step of faith for several people in our church to stand up and show their story of God’s grace at work in their life. I can’t thank them enough for being a living example of the power of the Gospel. God used these testimonies in a powerful way and it fires me up to think about the eternal implications that can take place when we have the courage to share our story and point people to the power of Christ in our lives.

I hope you enjoy these real life stories of Grace! It is all because of Jesus!

Cardboard Testimonies from Cedarcrest Church on Vimeo.