LATELY I have read several things dealing with our tendency to wear "masks." We put up fronts, even when we do not mean to. Of course, this can make the command to "carry each other's burdens" difficult to do (Galatians 6:2). Few of us are able to first reveal our burdens. Perhaps we could remedy this by learning to view others from the same vantage point from which we view ourselves.
Not long ago, my husband delivered what I considered to be a particularly eloquent sermon. WHEN he seemed to need affirmation, I thought, "How can he be needing so much encouragement when he is such an encouragement to others?" BUT suddenly the light dawned, and I understood that inside this pastor-leader lives a "little ole me" just like the one inside me and inside everyone else. I remembered then how much I need to know that it is "okay" when I teach a lesson, serve a dinner or write an article. I am not looking for accolades but rather for a sense of security and of rightness. No wonder Paul wrote that we need to be made stronger down inside the"little ole me" - the inner man.
HOW wonderful to learn that this can happen from the inside, through the work of the Holy Spirit. BUT we must tune our hearts to listen to His voice. THEN we will no longer be so dependent upon the external voices of encouragement - as important as they are.
WE must first of all depend on the Lord for guidance. THEN, as we obey, He will give us the calm assurance that what we have done is not only "okay" but is perfect and right because it was done to please Him!
"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being" (EPHESIANS 3:16).
CAROLYN BUSH
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