Unmasking

Posted on May 22, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, — Isaiah 1:18a

There’s a type of mask we are all familiar with, Falsehood. It parades itself to convince us and others that things are not what they appear. Falsehoods or lies are a sure fire way to hinder relationships and diminish any good that God wants to do through us. And having been damaged from falsehoods, it’s important to not allow past hurts to affect us moving forward. We can’t allow past disappointments from not trusting the next person.

I’ve learned to trust to the point of “prove me wrong,” in other words I’ll trust you until you prove I can’t. Trust is something that can be lost in a moment but can take years to recover. Each time we choose to put the mask of falsehood on we begin a path of lies that will end up hurting ourselves and others. This “mask” is worn by those who feel the need to portray themselves as someone they are not. It is an exhausting effort that always leads to failure. What seems to be a good way to get around the truth is a dangerous tool that will do much damage, sometimes irrevocable.

I remember a time when there was a new man that entered the Colony of Mercy, he was assigned to be the Colony cleaner. After he was given his instructions there was one thing more he needed, the keys to the housekeeping closet. When he was handed the keys he just stared at them, then tears began to pour from his eyes. When asked if he was okay, he responded, “I haven’t been trusted with keys, even to my own house for years. Are you sure you want me to have these?” This man had given away the ability to be trusted, he was told that until he gave us a reason not to be trusted that we were going to trust him, he did not fail us.

Trust is a valuable asset that until it’s gone we don’t realize how important it is. God opens up the book of Isaiah with a plea to His children Israel,

​​“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;

​​Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.

​​Cease to do evil,

​​Learn to do good;

​​Seek justice,

​​Rebuke the oppressor;

​​Defend the fatherless,

​​Plead for the widow.”

Our God wants us to be trustworthy, He is willing to work with us. All we have to do is “Unmask” ourselves, admit the truth of who we are. The first thing we lie about is ourselves, we lie about ourselves and to ourselves. It’s a mask that is all too comfortable. When we begin to see ourselves the way God sees us there is freedom,

“Come now, and let us reason together,”

​​Says the LORD,

​​“Though your sins are like scarlet,

​​They shall be as white as snow;

​​Though they are red like crimson,

​​They shall be as wool.

​​If you are willing and obedient,

​​You shall eat the good of the land;

​​But if you refuse and rebel,

​​You shall be devoured by the sword”;

​​For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that the mask never works, “Come now, and let us reason together”

Written By Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-3, Matthew 12:1-23| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “The only reason integrity should be a burden to you is if you enjoy being dishonest.” – Sam Storms

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. – 2 Corinthians 13:5

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?

Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.

LEARN MORE

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories