The Real You!

Matthew 7:15 ESV 

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

In life, we have the option of wearing masks or being real.  IF we choose to wear masks, we should know that life will be more difficult for a number of reasons.  Let's explore what its like to do regular youth group things while wearing a mask!

We set out with card stock paper, feathers, foam, pencil crayons, scissors and ribbons to make our own masks.  We created wonderful masks to wear.  While numbers were low on Sunday afternoon, we had a great discussion about what makes who were are.  Each person brought 3 items that they felt told us who they are.  We each said what we see in one another.  Then it was time to wear the masks.  They were fun to make, but made things very difficult to do.  We couldn't see things easily... especially on the floor.  We couldn't drink or eat very well.  We had a hard time looking at each other and taking people seriously!

When we took the masks off, we held a group discussion and answered some questions.
Here are a few of the questions and responses.  As you read through, think about how you might answer these same questions.

Did wearing a mask make today's activities more difficult or easier? Why?
     more difficult.  I couldn't look at people without laughing and it made it hard to concentrate.  
     couldn't see very well. 

 How did you feel when you were able to take the mask off?
     Relief, not constricted or suffocated.

Do you think a majority of people or minority of people, "wear masks" in real life? Why?
     Majority, because they don't want to be judged.  They want to be the same or equal to peers.

Why do people even "wear masks"?
     To hide their true-self, fear that others won't like the real them. 

What are some of the problems that come with "wearing masks" in real life?
     You aren't taken seriously, you get laughed at.
     You aren't being true to yourself
     Blind, can't see things clearly
     People don't see the real you and judge you
     Become fake, loose yourself and miss out on what your real life can actually be

In life,  we have the option of wearing masks and pretending to be someone else, but we shouldn't.  We should throw our masks away because life gets more difficult if we choose to wear them.  God wants us to be genuine people.  To be true yourself, others and to him.
There are times in everyone's life, where a mask gets worn.  As much as people will deny wearing them, they have.  Unfortunately you can pay a high price for wearing a mask.  Always strive to be the real you.  No mask required.  God sees the beauty of who you really are and so will the people in your life.
     
Here are a few pictures we took while in our masks.  Look closely... do you see a wolf?