It’s really not that hard to “look” like the real thing. We live in a “photoshop” world where pictures can be retouched to look like anything and anyone. People put on masks as well. It takes a lot of energy to be convincing.
II Corinthians 11:13-14
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
To masquerade as someone else requires “just enough” knowledge, lots of props, and the ability to talk it. Sincerity can be faked. Miracles can be helped along. Charisma is used by the honest and the dishonest.
The other day, there was an article in the paper about a man who was arrested for impersonating a police officer. This was his second time. He had a closet full of uniforms, identification, weapons, and other police gear. The tip off happened when he took his car to a shop and asked them to install the police lights he had purchased on the Internet. They said he looked so authentic that he could probably convince another police officer that he was the real deal. Why? Who knows?
He’s not the only one out there who goes to a lot of energy to put on a mask. Somehow, who we really are is no longer enough. And so we create a different persona. We are in total control.
Pretending righteousness seems almost worse than just outright sin.
It’s not for me to say who is masquerading and who is authentic. As an actress, I have put on such a mask from time to time. I am ashamed to even say it, but it’s true. It’s like the quick lie that my kids have perfected. It feels easier on the front end to cover up and delay and maybe even avoid consequences.
But camouflage faith brings nothing but sorrow. The supernatural effects of faith don’t work when it’s not the real thing.
A tiny true faith is better than any mask.
Meditations from Zion 