The image, or mask as we will call it, is complex. But many times we fail to let the true selves be seen. We feel that if the true self were exposed, it would be seen, our true mind, heart, and our dreams, we would be ridiculed. Exposure is something that humanity is fearful of. They desire to keep things kept in secret. They long to hide things in the darkness of there soul as a form of protection, not only from humanity, but from God also, who knows the secrets anyway.

There is a great misuse of Spiritual gifts today by the church that I believe needs to be addressed. The Spirit of God, to see past some of these masks has given the members of the church words of knowledge, or insight. Misunderstanding that they are only God�s messengers, they deliver this message many times, not to the person, but to the whole congregation. As different people will interpret, or hear things differently, the word of knowledge given by God, to an individual can be used, twisted, and taken far from its original context, meant for that person into a broad spectrum of things. What is meant for the one person�s ears and that is meant for the welfare of that person has then been used to spread gossip, mistrust, and then used to ruin the man�s reputation. Let us carefully consider not only our words of knowledge. But how and when God wants them delivered. Words of blessing, healing, and love can be done in public. But I believe that if the word is a warning, rebuke, or an insight into personals troubles, the person has a right to hear the word. From the receiving of the word, the person has the right to interpret its meaning for how the relevance of the word pertains to him. He also has the right to hear others interpretations, and refute them with a clear heart. The interpretation is between him and God. Not between Him and the church, or the pastor, or its people. If we dare take this interpretation out of context, it is the very same as taking his word out of context. The results can be devastating to the person�s eternal soul and personal well being.

A chance to peer behind the mask of ourselves might reveal things that we do not want to know. Sometimes we are pushed by circumstances to look ourselves honestly in the eyes and find a revelation of who we are. When we have this opportunity to see the reality of who we are. When we stand in the light of God�s love, we will be exposed for our true self. This kind of encounter might rid us of the masks that the years have built to protect us and surround us. In his light, before him and him alone our sins are revealed and our lives can be shaken. But when we are stripped of this false self, it is our chance to pull out from behind the mask and bring change.

Personal change is literally the removal of a protective mask. You can see people�s attitudes, and mindsets changed because they dared to remove the mask that has been protecting them. They no longer are so skittish about people knowing the sin or the wrong because with open knowledge this brings a level of trust, and a level of honesty. The person no longer feels hidden behind the masks of sin but can be made to change and begin the process of healing, and restoration.