The Mask
May 8th, 2009
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”!
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1 Comment
Add your own1. Steve Shields | May 28th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Dear George: I have been coming to Cedarcrest now for almost 3 years and it is truly a blessing for us witness your leadership. Let me say before I go any further that I know that you are unable to do anything by yourself just in case I “mis-speak” myself. I know that wonderful things are happening at Cedarcrest because you and so many others are allowing God’s will to take place through your willingness to obey and live in faith.
I have always wondered about the life of a pastor and for the first time in my life, my pastor is way younger than I am and I am impressed by your maturity, passion, and commitment. I have never really contemplated a pastor that has struggles. I guess I always assumed that at this stage of spiritual growth for a pastor, those issues have been conquered to make room for more “real” struggles (not of self).
I applaud you for your acknowledgment of your struggles and I think it will only make you a more approachable and less-intimidating leader of our church. People will always walk on egg shells around their pastor for fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing. As you continue to lower your mask it will make the ministry at Cedarcrest that much more effective. You do not need me to tell you that as you realize pleasing God is where the heart needs to be rooted.
Through the power of the holy spirit the most major sin struggle has been removed from my life but just like an alcoholic or smoker, the temptation remains on the fringe of my awareness. I have been given the power to resist and the freedom to focus on some other struggles in my life. My prayer life has increased because I am: 1) so grateful that sin has been removed, 2) that I don’t have to live in shame any more from my sin.
I do live in your neighborhood and I do see you from time to time at the pool and playground area so I know one aspect of your life is similar to mine. That alone gives me comfort knowing that the same experiences I face daily are in your life as well thereby making you more “in touch.” I love hearing the personal stories that you share with us on Sundays. The revelation of your own struggles makes you an even more personable pastor which will produce a very effective leader for us to follow. We do indeed see the “light of Christ” in your life inside and outside the church.
God bless,
Steve Shields
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