Having an appearance of godliness but denying it’s power. 2 Timothy 3:5 We live in a broken and fallen world, where people pretend to be what they are not. We find this also in the church. Let me go further, we find this among-st ministers and missionaries. I will go more further – i have also being there before. I have presented myself to be what i am not. I have even gone before the Lord as one who had things still right with Him. Knowing full well that as i end my prayers, i have not being honest before God.
Shall not God search this out? for He knoweth the secrets of the heart. Psalm 44:21
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians 3:13
Being insecure is one of the reason we wear a mask. K P Yohannan says and i quote ” When we feel insecure, the pressing thought is keep up a good face and looking like we have everything in order.
It can become more important:
to seem to have a godly life than to actually have one.
to appear deeply appreciated by our colleagues than to actually be appreciated.
to seem loving, compassionate and caring than to actual be loving and caring.
to look like we have a godly family instead of actually having one.
to seem smart and intelligent than to actually pursue wisdom.
to look like a team player than to actually give value to the opinions and views of others.
to appear loyal to the organization or ministry than to actually be loyal
to appear supportive of the boss in public than to be truly supportive in private.
When we feel threatened, we wind up living with masks. To be transparent, we fear, would undermine our position. In the end, we lose the potential for deep relationships with other people. No one really knows us, so no one can really help us. We become isolated which fuels our insecurity.”
Wearing a mask is the greatest bondage anyone can put themselves in.“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25
We want to please people and are fearful of what they will think of us if they know our struggles. We fear we will lose our respect, support and status. Such is common among some ministers and missionaries-insecurity is a big issue, hence self is not daily dealt with. We find it difficult to be vulnerable as some think it is a sign of weakness and will be hurt. Little do we know we are digging our own graves and hindering an authentic, healthy and fruitful relationship with God and man. The truth is being vulnerable is strength, yes it gives room for growth and the manifestation of God strength. God can trust you with His mysteries and also can trust you with His sheep.
I am in no way asking you open your business for everyone out there. Why don’t we start by going before the Lord, taking that mask off , being vulnerable before God. He already knows, so no need to hide.
Also trust God to lead you to someone you can be vulnerable with and can keep you accountable.
Some lost souls out there and the sheep of God, need men and women who will be vulnerable and show an example of repentance, submission and dependency on God.
On a side note, ‘ Beware of wolves in sheep clothen.” These ones have no desire to confess, repent, seek healing or be vulnerable. They are on a mission, to steal, kill and destroy!
THANK YOU LORD
Raly Ewemie