by Joanie Butman
This summer my great nieces presented me with a mask that reminded them of me. Actually, they said they thought I would be the only one not embarrassed to wear it. My children agreed. They know me well because it’s my favorite mask even though I’ve made hundreds over the past six months. It has prompted more than a few conversations like the one I had this weekend. A woman noticed my mask and asked, “Are you a believer?” I thought it an odd inquiry as I can’t imagine anyone who wasn’t a Christian wearing a mask with Bible verses on it. Then again, my guess is there are plenty of people who consider themselves Christians but don’t really believe they’re forgiven through Christ’s work on the cross. It just seems too good to be true.
We’ve all done things we regret and are tempted to think, “Yes, I know Christ died for our salvation, BUT….” I used to be one of them until a Bible study leader challenged me by saying, “What makes you so special to think that your sin is too great to be covered by Christ’s sacrifice?” That question was the beginning of a new perspective. It took years and lots of work for me to finally accept that there’s nothing I can do to make God love me any more or any less. That’s why the gospel is GOOD NEWS. It not about my performance but His – what a relief.
Tim Keller maintains, “If you want to become a Christian, all you need is nothing—but most people don't have that. Most of us come with our recommendation letters, our resume, our morality, our money.” I would add our regrets, our resentments, our past. It seems that the biggest obstacle to salvation is ego. Pride isn’t always about superiority. Thinking you are unworthy of Christ’s gift is just upside-down pride. It’s still all about you.
Far too many people find it easier to accept condemnation rather than unconditional love. We prefer to punish ourselves again and again because we are comfortable in our own pain. The saddest are those suffering from any number of life’s hardships who are tempted to consider them punishment for past actions. God doesn’t cause suffering, but He does use it to draw you deeper into His love and grace. It was only when I had nothing but Him that I realized He was all I needed.
Pain and problems aren’t punishment; they are opportunities to learn and trust that God is enough. It was only once I accepted that truth in the deepest part of my being that I could boldly sing with the hymnist (who had just lost everything - his fortune and all five children). “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
God’s concerned less about our performance than our pursuit of Him. Knowing or wearing Bible verses on our attire or our cars doesn’t necessarily make us Christians. Choosing to incorporate them into the fabric of our souls does. I think it was that same Bible study leader who often said, “Sitting in a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car.”
It’s taken me decades to fully accept the redeeming power of God’s love and grace. Why would I be embarrassed to share that truth with others? I can’t think of a better place to have God’s word than on my lips. Perhaps I’ll make a mask with another of my scripture favs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).” An excellent reminder for Christians and non-Christians alike. Choose your words wisely.
