The other day I was walking through the grocery store and I was struck by the fact that everyone was wearing a mask.  The lower half of the faces of the clerks, the stockers and the customers were all covered.  (Even more unsettling was to see a man in a store today with his entire face covered with a black mask.)

Not sure how things are where you live, but out here in Washington wearing a mask is a State mandate, so it’s not surprising that everyone is “masked up.”  In fact, one would expect this to be the case, and it generally is in Tacoma; full compliance is typical here. 

Each person models the mask of their choosing.  There’s plenty of the generic disposable ones on display.  Seahawks masks are pretty popular locally as well.  And, of course, some ladies ensure their mask is color-coordinated with their attire.  There is plenty of variety in the mask styles, but almost everyone wears something.

And that’s what struck me the other day!  Just like we all wear an outward mask to public places, so we all wear an inward mask in public as well.  (And not just in a pandemic.)  In fact, we probably wear multiple inward masks!  Our outward masks hide half our faces, and our inward masks conceal quite a bit as well.

These inner masks are even described in an expression.  No matter what we are thinking or how we are feeling, we generally attempt to “put on a good face.”  We are the ultimate posturers.  Just think of the secret masks we wear to fool others! 

We may have our entire day turned catawampus by unforeseen circumstances, but we try to exude an aura of peace amidst our stress.  We may be frustrated beyond measure due to someone else’s discourtesy or incompetence, but we put on a mask of patience.  Perhaps we regard another person’s point of view or decisions as questionable, unwise or even downright ridiculous, but we wear a mask of acceptance nonetheless.

Keeping others from discerning our actual thoughts aren’t the only reason we wear inner masks.  We make great efforts to hide our real feelings as well.

In our anger we try to wear calm.  In our worry we strive to wear contentment.  In our uncertainty we mask up with confidence, and when we feel weak with strength.  In our loneliness, sadness or discouragement, we rally with a smile.  Even in jubilant times it’s not uncommon for us to appear dispassionate.  When proud we want to be seen as humble.

In short, we consistently cover over our thoughts and feelings with masks that disguise where we truly “are” mentally and emotionally with ones that look more like where we think we should be.

We even posture in regard to spiritual matters.  We may be struggling spiritually in any number of ways, but we don’t dare let on.  We are determined to look faith-filled and forgiven no matter our secret doubts; righteous no matter our struggles with sin; and devoted no matter our wandering minds and hearts.

Yes, under our outer masks are any number of inner ones.  In fact, these days we are often wearing multiple layers – outer, inner, and under the outmost-inner mask even more inner ones.  We lurk amidst shadows even when in broad daylight! 

As I reflect on this, it seems to me that a few important points bear mentioning:

First of all, each one of us must understand how deceptive we tend to be with our inner mask-wearing.  It is crucial we are honest with ourselves, and strive to be more transparent with others.  And especially if we are struggling in some regard!

Secondly, building a relationship with someone (or several someones) with whom we can confide is exceedingly beneficial.  Natural fits for this would be a spouse or family member, or a trusted Christian friend.

Finally, remember that the Lord sees straight through our masks, no matter how many we may wear.  He not only sees the “real” us, but he loves the “real” us!  And he has all the help, answers and hope that the “real” us needs in his Word.  The more time we invest in God’s Word, the more the Lord will change us.  And the more the Lord refashions us, the more our inner self will exude the attitudes we desire to show on the outside, and the less need we will feel for masking up.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another … Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, … sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”  (Colossians 3:12-17 – selected).