Masquerade

Halloween.

It’s the only time of year that we’re not only allowed, but encouraged to pretend to be someone else.

No matter what you think of the idea of Halloween because of its pagan origins, you have to admit it’s fun to dress up and pretend to be someone else just for one night. You’re a princess, a pirate, a rock star. Anyone you want … at least on the outside.

As children we’re asked what we want to BE when we grow. Nurse. Doctor. Fireman. Actor. Cowgirl? Yeah, I wanted to be a cowgirl. Not that I knew what a cowgirl did, but it seemed to fit who I was. Free-spirited. Unconventional. Kooky. The cowgirl outfit and toy six-shooters were my outward signs that I was ready for anything.

It was not until a few years ago that I realized that who I am and what I do are perhaps different things. My jobs shouldn’t define me. Stages or positions in my life shouldn’t either. However, my character (who I am) should come out in whatever I do, where I work, etc.

Character has to be built. Yeah, there’s heredity (nature) and upbringing and experiences (nurture) but character is what those two combined with choices we make (with a redemptive touch of the Master’s hand) that defines who we are.

Romans 5:3-5 says this, “…we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Notice the word “produce” in between words like “affliction”, “endurance”, “character”, and “hope”. It’s as though one thing leads to another – a process that will not only test our character but shape it as well.

In 1 Samuel 16: 7 it is said of King David, “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

So you can pretend to be somebody else for a day (or two), but know that who you really are is what God sees and cares about the most.

P.S. I think I still have those six-shooters somewhere.