Check Your Mask's At The Door
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I was once asked to be a guest Pastor at a Church, there was a history in the Church of unresolved issue that were being overlooked and not being dealt with.
There are Churches like that; I think we can all safely say that. The issue here was hardly anyone in attendance were being honest, but wearing masks during the service and reveling the true feelings during the week.
The message I gave hit home to many, as it became a mirror or a reference point for them to see what was happening. Masks, we all wear them, there are a part of who we are. What is the first response we have when someone greets us with “How’s it going?” Almost like on cue we answer “Great”, when in reality we are scared sick of our inner circumstances.
I know it a bummer when someone answers “Not Great” but as Christians we are to listen, love and affirm with each other’s difficulties.
That is what we are called to do; if we are honest there are times when we would love to share the truth of where we are. Sharing our burdens can release us from the bondage that holds us. Sometimes we wear a few different masks depending on the people we are around.
In the case of this Church where I spoke I used this analogy. In the old western movies we grew up with, often there was a good Sherrif in town that had a rule. That rule was posted at the door of the salon “Check your guns at the door before you enter”. It was a safety issue.
Think about it maybe we need to check our masks at the door of our Churches before we enter. Maybe we need to start to be children of God in these meeting places and share what is on our hearts. Maybe we may be able to start to see the differences settled when they are spoken about truly and honestly. Maybe we will start to see the real healing take place in Churches, rather than attempt to hide the real truth behind fancy programs a showmanship in the worship setting.
Maybe that is where people can open their hearts and souls with their cares and concerns and be real again. Home Churches or Cell Groups have some great ministry, it is where people feel safe to share their struggles and receive ministry, why then are we not seeking the same in Churches.
God knows and understands our deep hurts and pain. I think we would be shocked at the pile of masks at the door, a few more each week as people begin to see the difference.
God would be the least surprised, He would be truly blessed knowing that His children are humbly coming before the Throne of Grace, naked if you like seeking Him and Him alone.
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Comments
Quill, I too agree! This is quite interesting because I have left worship many times only to find someone who shouted and praised God boldly all through the service. Who has shortly after called me and told me just how miserable they really were. Many feel that expressing one’s emotions is worship! We have taken a ministry group on the road. But have often had to put in check those who lost sight of the purpose of the trip?
Over the years we have held a small cell Bible Study in our home as well. It has afforded me the opportunity to see much spiritual growth. Yet, one must be aware that the group does not shift its focus. As RevLady has stated: “The problem with this though is that many of these groups develop into "clicks." One has to consciously shift the focus from you when you find that the group or a particular person is becoming too dependent upon you.
I believe that we are to be supportive in ministry. But I also believe that we are to encourage individuals to be able to develop a strong personal intimate relationship with the Lord that is not contingent on anyone but God! This helps to encourage not turning God off and then on like a faucet in the presence of others. This is why I have learned that its so important to stress “Ministry Beyond The Walls” Christianity was meant to be a daily lifestyle, with God always as the main focus! Blessings
I agree RevLady and as always thank you for your insightful and wisdom packed comment.
We are all guilty, prideful and yes often hurt when we bare our hurts and needs. It is all around us and we are afraid of the safety nets. People are being hurt no matter where they are, home, work or Church and without accountability, thus the masks. We have become a distrustful society in so many ways.
Prayer is essential as it is the one place where you can bare your soul and in return you have the loving and caring hand of Christ come along and give you peace.
Blessings
Hugs DeBorrah thanks for stopping by its been awhile so again welcome. I agree with all you have shared. We see that same senario in the Bible where one day the people were praiseing Jesus and the next screaming crucify Him...Crucify Him.
Cell groups are great but again accountability is key and holding the focus on Christ. You mention "Ministry Beyond the Walls"...a Church sign caught my eye a while back that stated "The Church Has Left The Building". They had developed a very effective ministry.
Jake Colsen recently wrote a book, the title like the sign caught my eye "So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore". It is an interesting read and brings the focus back on Christ and not the building and the programs. He also wrote another called "He Loves Me". There are some concepts in both that turn our attention back to Christ and each other.
As always I thank you for your comments and I love the fact yyou are constantly returning back to the basics of Him and HHim alone. God bless you and yours in your ministries.
Many Blessings Sister
Many thanks for this fine article. I love the title, too. You have really hit on something here. Very discerning of you.
Thanks James for your comment I do think we are very careful today in protecting the hurts and the struggles we are having for fear of being judged.
People are hurting, I hurt, You hurt and we know it, people know themselves and yet are willing to put on a mask of happiness and joy to cover the true feelings.
We see it over and over again on the news of people going over the boiling point and doing terrible things like in Ft. Hood. We hear all the comments, why he seemed so happy, he had a great life from what we could tell. Yet look at the trail of destruction left behind because maybe he wore a mask.
We need to be humble and share our struggles, bare or souls at times. God promises us that the truth will set us free, it can apply many ways to our daily lives as well.
Thank you for your comment and a subject that I will be doing more writing on later.
Many Blessings
"Quill" - Thanks for the morning devotion - and you're absolutely correct in you analogy. I once managed a church where the decendents of the Hatfields and McCoys attended. Each party had great, pleasant, and warm smiles for visitors but you could almost hear them sharpening their knives in the pews during service. Their masks had been worn for so long it required extensive surgery to remove. Sorry, I should not be talking about God's people like that. I am going back to my corner to pray now! :)
Great article - thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for dropping by to say hello and welcome, I do hope that you enjoy the stay and time by the "Fireside" with us.
Its OK about sharing with everyone, but I must admit you could say a prayer for me while you are in the corner...
Many Blessings and a Warm Canadian welcome
RevLady says:
2 months ago
Well Quill, though I agree with you completely, sadly, many in the church who did risk removing their masks were not accepted with love, understanding and support. Consequently, observers learned to keep their protective masks on. Sadder still is that many new converts learn rather quickly that many in the church are not who they claim to be; they wear the masks of deceit. In every church, synagogue, mosque, company, corporation, agency, organization, home, school and any other place where people gather, we will find the good, the bad and the indifferent.
Home Churches and Cell Groups are more successful I believe because they are smaller, allow for more intimacy and bonding, and have a family atmosphere. But many mega churches began the same way. Within the Church at large, it has been my observation, that those who feel some sense of safety and trust enough to share personal and Church issues, usually do it within the confines of the group or sub-group of which they are a member. This, for them becomes a sort of "home Church" within a Church. The problem with this though is that many of these groups develop into "clicks."