The Update

by Kirsten Stillman (Grade 12)
(Click here to read Part One)

How do we take the mask off? It's a terrifying thing. For many of us, it is something we have hidden behind for as long as we can remember… It is so easy to slip behind the mask, that we don't even realize that we are doing it.

We must face our fears.

For many of us, showing our imperfections seems absolutely terrifying. We are afraid of being judged, not only by the world, but also by God. Satan wants us to hide behind a mask of perfection, because if we hide behind it, we aren't admitting to our own sins and struggles. Satan wants that, he wants us to push away from God.

It’s only when we admit that we are not perfect that our masks begin to slide off our faces. God wants to see the real you. He loves us so much that He sent his one and only son to die so that we could be forgiven.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

In order to get rid of our masks, we have to get to know God. We have to believe in Him and spend time with him. Holding onto the mask through that is, ultimately, a struggle with surrender. The fear of not being in control of our lives keeps us from letting go of the mask. Trusting God requires that we take a great leap of faith and agree to let Him use us, even if it doesn’t all make sense.

It may be as big as going to a non-believing country as a missionary, or by simply sharing how God has affected your life with someone who doesn’t know God. He will use us, imperfections and all, to do something great and amazing.

The question is: are you ready?

Are you ready to really live life as God intended it to be? Are you tired of the charade we live every day? Moving through the motions as though we are puppets. Are you tired of simply conforming? Are you at the point where you want to stand up and scream at the frustration that the mask of perfection places on your heart?

Are you tired of behaving perfectly in the midst of chaos and confusion?

There is a war raging all around us, a spiritual war that convicts us to be more than this. More than the lie of this world, more than a simple illusion that causes more pain than peace of mind.

Are we so afraid of change and being different that we hold on to the mask no matter how much it hurts us? Behind every mask is a bleeding heart, filled with the pain and loneliness of this world.

From all sides, we are assaulted by a raging war for our souls.

We have been deceived.

We feel and think that our mask of perfection protects us.

Do you feel protected? The world lashes at you from every possible angle no matter how much you hide. By hiding behind the mask, you are allowing assault within you. Tearing and snapping at your heart and playing exhausting games in your head.

Only by turning to God can we really be at peace. Do you feel a calming peace settling over you as you pray or read your bible? This is only a glimpse of the everlasting peace we can feel with God as our Savior.

By allowing the mask to drop to the ground for good, we invite Christ into our hearts as our true King.

Tired of living in a masquerade?

He's ready for you, imperfections and all.