Be Real – Don’t Wear a Mask

I have been seeing many homes having pumpkins, autumncolored mums on their doorsteps, and Halloween decorations in their yards. Children have a good time deciding who they are going to be or what they will wear as they trick or treat and of course, anticipating their treats. 

As I was thinking about Halloween coming up next week, I started thinking of jack-o-lanterns, costumes, masks, etc. It reminded me of how many of us try to cover up our feelings or cover up who God designed us to be. We, too, as grandparents tend to hide, conceal, or disguise how we feel about ourselves or who God says we are to be. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God created us to be genuine, authentic, sincere, and truthful, pleasing Him with doing good works for Him. Wearing a mask to cover up who God designed us to be will not bring us fulfillment. 

I like the verse Eugene Peterson writes in 1 Peter 5:7 The Message (MSG) “So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:7 The Message (MSG) God has designed us for his purpose, let’s be content with who we are and not put on a mask trying to impress others. Let’s be real, genuine, and authentic, so others see us as God intended us to be.

Let’s ask ourselves: 

Do I believe God is who He says He is?

Do I believe I am who God says I am?

Do my grandchildren see that Jesus Christ is the focal point of my life, or do they think I am wearing a spiritual mask?

During this Halloween season, let’s encourage our grandchildren to be real and honest and not wear masks in their relationship with Jesus Christ, their families, and at school. 

“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” Proverbs 14:25 NIV).

Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, show me when I am wearing a mask in my spiritual life. Forgive me as you promised if I confess my sin. I want others to see your design for me. Make me aware when I am wearing a mask. In Jesus name.

By Lillian Penner, Co-Prayer Director for Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

Would you like to find other grandparents to pray with you for your grandchildren? We have the answer. Just go to https://christiangrandparenting.net/grandparents-at-pray