Masks of Our Lives

Venturing through the narrow alleys of Venice, (Italy) punting down a canal in a gondola, perusing the quaint sidewalk boutiques, or sipping an espresso at a corner cafe evoke romantic, idealistic and renaissance sentiments in one’s soul. A walk through these historic cobblestone corridors cause one to reflect on the footsteps of the past. What was, what might have been, and what could have been. Yet as my journey took me through this ancient and picturesque city, one vivid historic element caught my attention. An element, I suggest, we need to remember, for I fear we are returning to the past.

In the glory days of Venice, it was a city noted for its carnivals and parties but one tradition garnered my interest. The Venetian masks. Designed in Baroque style, they were often decorated with ornate and vibrant designs. Ultimately, however, these masks were tools to mask identity, social status, and permit scandalous romantic ventures, illicit and/or illegal activities, all without identification of the person.

Yet the mere history of these Venetian masks and their uses starkly expose the crisis of today’s world. We may not veil our face with a Bauta (full-faced mask) or Columbina (the eye-only mask), yet daily, we seek to conceal our true identity. That person we are when no one is looking. This is no new phenomenon. In fact, from the beginning of time, our ancestors, Adam and Eve did likewise. Rather than a Venetian mask, it was a fig leaf. When they rebelled against God by disobeying His one command, they used fig leaves to “hide” their nakedness in an attempt to conceal their sin before a holy God.

We have this built-in mechanism that seeks to gain the approval of others. Perhaps the approval of our boss, teachers, peers, friends, coach, or a significant-other. We hide behind a “fig leaf” for fear of being exposed. Of being found out. Of the inside scoop being revealed. What fig leaves are we using to cover our “nakedness.” Perhaps our occupation, humor, intelligence, personality, or accomplishments? Today’s online virtual reality world has outlined our desire to live “other” lives. From the expansive virtual world of “Second Life” to the Facebook profiles we offer “friends”, we pursue virtual identities revealing only the side of life chosen to be made public.

Yet when elements of our life crumble, from relationships, to employment, to dreams, to expectations, to ultimately death, where will we hide? Hebrews 4:13 tells us that “no creature is hidden from God’s sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” As the song from (The) Razz goes, “You can run, but you can’t hide!” This is the truth before God. We can live our lives behind a veil and fool every individual around us, but in the end, we will give account to an all-knowing God. But there is good news.

Unfortunately, many of us have a confused and skewed view of God. We assume that He is like the all-seeing eye of Sauron in Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, constantly seeking out his enemies and ready to destroy them at moment’s notice. On the contrary, we have a God of love who is seeking a relationship with us. Our sin has separated us from that intimacy, yet God in His mercy has made all the provisions for us to be reunited. It is now a choice on our behalf to repent, to remove the fig leaves we are hiding behind (such as self-righteousness & religion) and allow the cleansing blood of Jesus to purify our soul and restore the intimacy we were created to enjoy.

Interesting thought. A week before Jesus died for the sins of humanity, on His way into Jerusalem, He cursed a barren fig tree. (Matthew 21:18-19) Why, we might ask? Jesus was declaring that mankind’s original attempt at covering their “nakedness” (sin) was inadequate. Our good works, righteousness, and pursuits of social welfare are a barren fig tree (of no good), when it comes to being righteous before God.

It goes on to say in verses 14-16 of Hebrews 4, “We know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” We need to be clothed in Jesus’ righteousness; not our futile fig leaves. We didn't need a manual for how to be good. We needed a Savior! As in the story of the two wayward sons of Luke 15, God is waiting for us to come home to Him. As the prophet Solomon said, we are created with “eternity in our hearts.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) A homesickness for heaven satisfied only in a relationship with God through Jesus.

As a child, when I was scolded or simply embarrassed, I would cover my face with my hands and declare, “You can’t see me!!” Clearly, it was a childish action, yet it epitomizes our attempts to hide from God. Psalm 139 starts out with the amazing words, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” God loves us for who we are. Not what we do. The Holy Scriptures also say, “WHILE we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) His love is NOT conditional, neither is His offer of eternal life and a relationship with Him forced on anyone. It is a gift that requires acceptance, and acceptance of this gift will breed a changed life.

A great old hymn by Charles Tindley states, “Nothing between my soul and my Savior, so that His blessed face may be seen.” If we desire intimacy with God, we must remove the masks in our life. If that relationship has been established, our hearts will long for a closer walk with Christ. A deeper knowledge of Him. If this desire is absent, then “examine yourself” to see if you even know this Jesus. (2 Corinthians 13:5) With the apostle Paul, we will declare, “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) That is the heart of one whose life has absorbed the love of God. A life which gladly throws aside the masks of this world for intimacy with God. How easy it is to develop and adopt masks in order to preserve our pride. How many “would-be followers” of Jesus choose self-preservation over intimacy and this world over eternity?

What mask is it time to remove?