1 Timothy 1:15 – This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (KJV)

I'm not proud to say it, but I can identify with the apostle Paul in this statement. Before I was saved at the age of thirty, I was well acquainted with sin. But then, a prerequisite for salvation is that we must know and admit that we are sinners. Why else would we need a Saviour?

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)

As a result of sin, undesirable consequences follow. They might be manifested in one's health situation, family relationships, finances, living conditions, etc.

As a Christian just recently saved and planted in a church, I felt out of place, like I didn't belong. Many times when I was listening to different ones speak or share, it seemed as though they had always lived a rather perfect life: no problems, no worries, no cares, well-adjusted children, many even in the ministry.

But as for me, before I came to Christ, I was a wreck! The only difference after I was newly saved was that I was a saved wreck! My family was in shambles, finances were a mess, and unhealthy living had played a part in my poor health.

Because others seemed to do so well, it got to the point where I didn't feel safe or secure letting people get to know me or my family. I mean, what would they think of me?

I wrote the following poem to describe how I felt.

Masks

In my bedroom drawer
Neatly tucked away —
What mask to church
Will I wear today?

There are four from which
I have to choose.
But today, I'll wear the one
That hides the Blues.

My Smiley mask
I've nearly worn out.
It hides so well
My fears and doubts.

My Spiritual mask
Works like a jewel.
It hides me when
I've been mean and cruel.

The mask I call
My Ace in the Hole
Hides me when
My heart is cold.

Sometimes I wish
Others could see
Right past the mask
And into me,

And help me find
My way back home
To God's dear arms
From whence I've roamed.

But others seem
To do so well.
My failures I wouldn't
Dare to tell.

Then the question
To myself I ask:
I wonder if they too
Wear a mask.

Praise God, He gives us a new start upon salvation, but so many are hurting from the consequences of sins made in the past. Let's be sensitive, and, of course, uphold them in prayer, as they grow and mature in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for one another, and that in Christ, we are family. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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