Take off your Mask and Show your Authentic Self

2 Corinthians 4:2 "We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God." - MSG

A mask covers all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or to amuse or terrify other people.

Off: to be removed or separate.

When masking off, it is to take off falsehood and reveal the truth underneath.

Have you or do you feel like you are living behind a mask?

Do you feel las if you're busy keeping up appearances around others versus when you're alone?

Are you reluctant to share your real feelings and show your true self?

Do you often find yourself put on a "brave front" when engaging with others that make you feel uneasy or as if you can't be yourself?

Psychologists tell us that people wear masks for various reasons, and we've all worn a mask from one point to another. Maybe for a costume party, playing dress, playing with your children, or trying to impress at a job interview.

You have those who may often wear masks to be someone they're not, hiding the hurt and pain felt from their past experiences of being authentically themselves and weren't accepted. In comparison, some other people wear masks to hide their sins and failures from God and others because they fear judgment or condemnation. People can wear masks to be someone else to "protect" themselves or to feel "accepted." One can cover up and hide their flaws only for a moment until true self emerges.

Overcoming inauthenticity can be so hard for several reasons. We've been molded as children by our parents, teachers, religions, peers, and society to "fit in" or be someone we are not. Casing one to develop beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that keep them acting in ways they were taught or to have the mindset that there's isn't greater or your life is what it is—not in the ways that make us feel like our authentic selves.

No matter how much the world tries to hold you back, it's up to you to change your beliefs to achieve the impossible. Believing you can become successful is the most crucial step in achieving it. Mindset is everything!

God's amazing love extends behind the mask! Scripture teaches: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8

We didn't have to make ourselves worthy of His love or anyone else's. When you love yourself for who you are and know that God loves you, the opinions of others will not matter so much to you that their opinions cause you to put a mask on, but it cause you to be free and authentic.

Here are 5 Ways to Take off your Mask and Show your Authentic Self:

1. GET REAL ABOUT DEFINING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF.

2. PAINT A PICTURE OF HOW YOU PRESENT YOURSELF TO OTHERS (YOUR PUBLIC MASK).

3. CREATE A LIST OF THE BEHAVIORS THAT ARE AUTHENTICALLY YOU AND THE BEHAVIORS THAT ARE NOT TRULY YOU, AND THE BEHAVIORS YOU WANT TO CHANGE.

4. "ADEPT TO SELF" —CRAFT A PLAN TO UTILIZE THESE NEW BEHAVIORS TO ILLUSTRATE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF.

5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO EXPRESS WHO YOU REALLY ARE.