Behind the Mask

Intro

Mask Fatigue

Defined as the lack of energy that accompanies and/or follows prolonged wearing of a mask

Not just physical mask fatigue

We were not created to hide behind a mask

Luke 12:2 The Message

2 You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.

Hypocrite - Greek word hypokrites

An actor or stage player

Greek actors wore masks

The Masks We Wear

Superiority Mask

Lashing out or criticizing

Trying to make other people feel small because misery loves company

You can never rise up by cutting other people down

Smiley-Face Mask

Projects that everything is alright even when your falling apart

I’m fine defense

50 Shades of Grey Mask

Attempting to ramp up your sex appeal

Seeking validation for your attractiveness

Hoping for approval that comes from being noticed

Funny Guy/Gal Mask

Laugh everything off

Humor serves as a deflection to divert attention away from what you feel insecure about

Clone Wars Mask

You are trying to be like everyone else

How much of our debt comes from trying to stay on track with those in our peer groups?

Zombie Mask

Numbing ourselves

Consuming drugs, alcohol, pornography, overloading on social media.

Why feel sad if you can get that instant dopamine

We can’t selectively numb emotions. When we numb painful emotions, we also numb the positive ones (Brene Brown)

Rodeo Drive Mask

Constant name dropping, one upping, bragging about your accomplishments

Compensation is a classic response to insecurity

What you wear to obtain, you must wear to retain

If you got the job with the mask, in order to keep it, you must wear that mask everyday

When you wear a mask everyday, you have a secret identity

We can’t wear the mask forever

Luke 12:2 The Message

2 You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.

We put on masks in hopes of finding love and acceptance, but people can’t love someone they don’t know

When you put on a mask, you are masking yourself from God’s blessing

Masking tape (Painters tape example)

When you know who you are, it doesn’t matter who you are not

Challenge

What’s your favorite mask? Do you have situational masks?

What do you think that mask is hiding?

What would you look like if you dropped the mask? How would you interact differently with people? With yourself? With God?

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Your mask may be impressive, but it’s nothing compared to the masterpiece that you are