Removing the Mask
Removing the Mask: From Pride to Freedom in Christ
It still amazes me how powerful conversations can be. Even within the church, some of the most meaningful moments come through conversations centered on Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit—encouraging, sharpening, and strengthening one another.
Recently, during a gathering of men, we found ourselves talking about pride. As expected, Scripture quickly became part of the conversation:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16
We shared openly about the challenges of removing pride from our lives and our desire to walk in the freedom that comes through Jesus Christ. As the conversation continued, I felt led to share a deeper perspective—one that has shaped my own understanding.
Pride, in many ways, is a mask.
It is something we put on to hide what is really going on inside of us. Beneath that mask, more often than not, is fear. Fear exposes our weakness, and rather than allowing that vulnerability to be seen, we attempt to cover it with pride. We try to appear strong, in control, or unaffected when, in reality, something deeper is stirring within.
Fear has been present since the very beginning of the biblical story. After believing the lie of the enemy, Adam hid from God in the garden. Fear separated him from the very One who created him.
Now, there is a healthy kind of fear—one that protects us. Just like fire can warm us when we are cold, it can also harm us if we get too close. But an unhealthy fear goes further. It keeps us from even lighting the fire in the first place. It restricts us, holds us back, and prevents us from stepping into what God has for us.
Our thoughts and emotions can function the same way.
If fear takes hold of my heart, then when someone comes to me seeking prayer, encouragement, or guidance, I will have little to offer. Fear limits what God desires to do through us. But Scripture gives us a powerful truth to stand on:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
The fear that entered through deception and doubt is overcome by the perfect love of Jesus Christ. His willingness to go to the cross stands as the ultimate answer to our fear.
And yet Scripture also reminds us of a different kind of fear—a healthy, life-giving fear:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27
“By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
This kind of fear does not push us away from God—it draws us closer. It produces confidence, refuge, and life.
I am reminded of my dad’s favorite hymn, which captures this truth so simply:
“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Trust and obedience in Jesus Christ clothe us in His mercy and grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the mask of pride begins to fall away, revealing who God truly created us to be.
So let me ask you: Are you walking in fear today? Are you hesitant to share the love of God, to pray with someone, or to step out in faith?
You don’t have to stay there.
Ask for help. Ask for prayer. Bring that fear before the Lord. This journey doesn’t make us perfect, but it does allow us to continue being perfected until the day we see Jesus face to face. Life will bring challenges, heartache, and moments of pain. But even in those moments, God is at work. He is removing the mask of pride and reminding us of our need for Him, and as He clothes us with His presence, He replaces fear with peace, and uses our lives to point others to Him.
May God richly bless your journey as you seek Him in every aspect of your life.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
It still amazes me how powerful conversations can be. Even within the church, some of the most meaningful moments come through conversations centered on Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit—encouraging, sharpening, and strengthening one another.
Recently, during a gathering of men, we found ourselves talking about pride. As expected, Scripture quickly became part of the conversation:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16
We shared openly about the challenges of removing pride from our lives and our desire to walk in the freedom that comes through Jesus Christ. As the conversation continued, I felt led to share a deeper perspective—one that has shaped my own understanding.
Pride, in many ways, is a mask.
It is something we put on to hide what is really going on inside of us. Beneath that mask, more often than not, is fear. Fear exposes our weakness, and rather than allowing that vulnerability to be seen, we attempt to cover it with pride. We try to appear strong, in control, or unaffected when, in reality, something deeper is stirring within.
Fear has been present since the very beginning of the biblical story. After believing the lie of the enemy, Adam hid from God in the garden. Fear separated him from the very One who created him.
Now, there is a healthy kind of fear—one that protects us. Just like fire can warm us when we are cold, it can also harm us if we get too close. But an unhealthy fear goes further. It keeps us from even lighting the fire in the first place. It restricts us, holds us back, and prevents us from stepping into what God has for us.
Our thoughts and emotions can function the same way.
If fear takes hold of my heart, then when someone comes to me seeking prayer, encouragement, or guidance, I will have little to offer. Fear limits what God desires to do through us. But Scripture gives us a powerful truth to stand on:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
The fear that entered through deception and doubt is overcome by the perfect love of Jesus Christ. His willingness to go to the cross stands as the ultimate answer to our fear.
And yet Scripture also reminds us of a different kind of fear—a healthy, life-giving fear:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27
“By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
This kind of fear does not push us away from God—it draws us closer. It produces confidence, refuge, and life.
I am reminded of my dad’s favorite hymn, which captures this truth so simply:
“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Trust and obedience in Jesus Christ clothe us in His mercy and grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the mask of pride begins to fall away, revealing who God truly created us to be.
So let me ask you: Are you walking in fear today? Are you hesitant to share the love of God, to pray with someone, or to step out in faith?
You don’t have to stay there.
Ask for help. Ask for prayer. Bring that fear before the Lord. This journey doesn’t make us perfect, but it does allow us to continue being perfected until the day we see Jesus face to face. Life will bring challenges, heartache, and moments of pain. But even in those moments, God is at work. He is removing the mask of pride and reminding us of our need for Him, and as He clothes us with His presence, He replaces fear with peace, and uses our lives to point others to Him.
May God richly bless your journey as you seek Him in every aspect of your life.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
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