Stained Glass Masquerade

     I heard something on the radio this morning that isn't really addressed in many Christian communities.  A woman called into the station and said that one of the main reasons she doesn't attend church is because she doesn't feel welcome.  She said she doesn't feel welcome because everyone in the church seems to have everything together and figured out, and they seemingly never sin, or do not seem to struggle with sin.
     This sparks a major reflection moment.  Do we put up a "false front?"  Do we act "perfect" at church and around others so that we look like Christians?  Why do we feel we have to hide our temptations, our fears, our struggles?  I think we do put up a false front, whether we intend to or not.  I don't anyone likes to admit this fact, but that does not change the truth.  This, obviously from this woman's observation, does not only affect the Christian community.  The lost also pay attention to how we interact and want some way to relate to us.  How can we expect to relate to the lost if we do not SHOW them that we are ALL sinners just like we keep saying?  I realize there is also argument from Scripture that you aren't to do anything that could cause your brother to stumble, but that isn't what I am referring to.  I am talking about hiding even little things that we do everyday from certain people to be seen a certain way.  We all do it.  We even hide other things from EVERYONE so that we are seen in a certain way by everyone around us.  Should we hide the actions/thoughts/struggles?  We should let others know what we are struggling with so that like Scripture says we can "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  If our brothers and sisters in Christ do not know what we are struggling with, then how are they supposed to help?  We also need to be open and honest with the lost.  If we hide our struggles and trials from them, then it is no wonder that a new believer is surprised at how difficult it is to struggle with sin.  It also does not help that the Christians around them seem so "perfect." 
     The main point of this is to be humble to everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike.  Being humble does not mean you grovel in front of others and constantly down yourself for your shortcomings.  God says that being humble means you are free from pride and arrogance.  You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ.  Our challenge this week from Epic Church was to read and pray over Romans 8.  This is beautiful description of God's love for us, but it is also a description of how we should treat others.  We are ALL free in Christ.  The chains are gone, why put them on in front of other people?  Let us stop trying to walk in our own personal power and portrayed sinless, self-controlled life and walk in the power of God's Holy Spirit.  Be honest with everyone about your struggles.  James 5:16 says to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Let us all be open and honest with everyone, so that Christ may be evident in our lives through all things.  Let everyone see the transformation, instead of trying to slowly transform behind a curtain and come out "perfect" on the other side.