Vital Signs: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

When We Hide Behind the Mask

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭61‬-‭62‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Similar to Peter after denying Christ, we often attempt to hide our weaknesses by playing it safe and retreating to our comfort zones. We can’t truly connect with people when we put up walls. When we do, others notice. They may see us as cordial but not comfortable, as wary but not warm. Others might even wonder if we’re hiding something—and we are. We’re hiding who we really are.

We convince ourselves that people wouldn’t like us if they knew the real us, so we don’t give them the chance. Instead of acknowledging our humanity and our longing for intimacy, we see it as a weakness that must be concealed. Many learn to wear a mask and perform because of a deep desire for approval, continuing this pattern as long as it seems to work. Those who were not affirmed while growing up are often more vulnerable to seeking praise and recognition, becoming overly concerned with what others think.

But when we elevate the opinions of others above what God thinks of us, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

Just as our hidden weaknesses create distance, our hunger for approval makes us defensive. In striving to win one person’s favor, we can easily damage other relationships.

(Adapted from Jesus, The High Road Leader by John Maxwell and Chris Hodges)

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Talking to Jesus about you today ❤️👊