The Mask

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ...

2) Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me…

3) Phil 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is out of law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is out of God and based on faith

4) Eph. 4:15 But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ.
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The Mask is a movie about an incredibly nice and shy bank clerk by the name, Stanley Ipkiss, who has just discovered a mysterious ancient green wooden mask by the sea that is inhabited by Loki, the Norse night god of mischief. When Stanley puts on the mask, he transforms into an uncontrolled reflection of himself in a wacky-suited green-skinned cartoony romantic maniac that does craziest things and amazes the people in search of justice and a good time too. The transformed new super-hero could perform acts beyond the wildest dream of any man on the street without actually exposing the real identity of Stanley.

Many a time we are like the transformed Stanley, hiding ourselves behind the mask and wearing not only one but variety of masks to suit different occasions or when dealing with different sets of people. We can become a better actor than those in the Hollywood with so many masks available for our selection. It is very natural for us to act differently in front of different sets of people. In the Christian life it is easy to agree and follow certain practices. For example, we may be told that we are not a good listener and later quickly adopt the practice of good listening skills. We may also join Lion Club or other charity organizations to embrace and harness generosity when we find lack of charitable heart. We may succeed to become a better listener and a very generous person and yet fail to live Christ.

It is one thing to follow a certain practice or custom; it is another thing to live Christ. I do not think God cares too much of how holy, spiritual, or victorious we are in ourselves. Actually, to live in this way by self-effort and pretense can be a struggle for many. In effect by doing so, we are striving to keep the law. What counts in the eyes of God is the righteousness of Christ living in us (See “New Covenant”). It is by faith in the righteousness of Christ which is of God and His grace that we have been saved.

“The problem in your life and mine is not the availability or the lack of availability of truth. It is the hypocrisy in our search….” (Dr Ravi Zacharias).

Let us not put on masks in our daily walk with Christ but instead live Christ and put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph 6:13). But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ (Eph 4:15).