BY PASTOR MARK LEE
Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale
A recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found that nearly 50 percent of adults in the United States were planning on wearing a Halloween costume this year. In fact, the costume industry is expected to bring in more than $2.5 billion during the Halloween season. Judging by these numbers, many people find the prospect of being someone else appealing – even if only for a day.
While Halloween provides us the perfect opportunity to pretend to be someone we are not, the reality is that many people feel the need to always wear a mask. Presenting a superficial face to the world is something we have all done at some point, whether as a defense mechanism or a method of survival. However, problems arise when our attempts to hide our struggles and flaws make us forget who we really are.
Being real or genuine is great, but it is not always easy. When you open yourself up to others, you become vulnerable. However, being transparent in your troubles can provide you with the opportunity to help others. For example, imagine how encouraging it would be for a person struggling with alcohol abuse to hear about the successful recovery of an alcoholic friend. Or, think of how inspiring it could be for a new mom to discuss the trials and tribulations of motherhood with a seasoned parent.
Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
A closed up life is the safest way to live, but it is also boring. Putting away our masks may actually strengthen our relationships and bring our community closer together.
VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.
