Let’s be real honest. We all wear masks. We could even say that, at least at times, we are phonies. We cover up the real us. We think that if other people, especially in the church, knew how we really were no one would like us.

The Bible is clear; we are fallen beings. It is not really such a mystery that there is so much evil in the world. It is a mystery why there isn’t more. I do know why this is the case though: God’s grace. That is the only reason we don’t all inhabit a living hell right here on earth. God’s grace restrains man’s rebellious nature.

If we are going to grow in Christ we cannot deny our depravity. We need to own it in order to be more aware when our sinful nature is gaining dominance in us. The Bible seems to indicate that we can never really know even our own hearts. God has to reveal things to us as we grow in Christ. Jeremiah 17:9, God says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”

Jesus saves us from sin. In Matthew (1:20,21) Joseph receives a message from an Angel. The angel says: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus sanctifies us. Hebrews 13:12 says, “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.”

Even though all the provisions are there for us to live above sin we still fail and fall at times. Our sinful natures still have the ability to draw us back into our old ways. Because of this we remain somewhat frustrated knowing that we will not be totally delivered from sin until we go to be with Him.

The more transparent and honest we become the more power we will appropriate to be consistent with what we preach. We will also feel more comfortable in our own skin and actually feel more genuine. The more we cover up and deny our fallen nature the phonier we become in our own eyes.

Bruce Narramore said in one of his books years ago (Can’t remember which one) that we are: Very Special, Deeply Fallen, and Greatly Loved. Great summation of my point.