Unmasked.

Masks. Hmm. Interesting. Like a masquerade?
Tonight, my youth will be talking about Masks. And today, in a 'x' meeting, we have had Masquerade as a suggestion for the theme of the 'x' event.

And suddenly, today, I was also thinking, do how we act outside reflect how we act at home?
As I finished my hunt around the houses with my friends, hunting to find kind people who would come outside the house to give us money for the fundraising at our school, I then sat back into the car and talked to my dad even more politely than I normally do with him but still in the same tone as I have used around the houses. How odd...
Why do I sound different? And this is not the first time I've realised it, but this time was another striking reminder that I should treat my family as good as I do with the people outside.

It's not that I'm mean, but sometimes it's easier for me to be nice outside of the house, but less conservative at home.

But for some, it may be the opposite. They could be super nice at home, but a real meanie outside.

But the question is, why?

Are we acting differently because we are uncomfortable with ourselves? Or are we mean outside because we feel the need to defend ourselves? Are we nicer outside because we are intimidated? Are we tougher outside because we are afraid of rejection? Why?

Maybe the answer is because we don't know our identity in Christ.
For if we know that we are His sons (and daughters), we will treat everyone as our brother, and love everyone as ourselves, treating them according to what the Bible had revealed to us through the Holy Spirit.

Then you won't feel the need to put a mask on. Because now your heart is the same to everyone, everywhere. You will feel free? Free from self-consciousness and the bondage of intimidation.

You will be unmasked.
I want to one day be fully assured in my identity in Christ too.
I want to be unmasked.

How do you know your identity in Christ?
How can you know your identity in Christ if you don't know Christ's identity?
How can you know Christ's identity?
Read the Bible. Really, it's that simple. Read. The Bible.

Do you have a mask?
Are you ready to be unmasked?

Char Siew Pau.