Drop the Mask

Admit Your Need

Recently, we discussed Matthew 11:28–30, where Jesus calls those who are weary to find rest in Him.

Yet, if we are honest, few of us want to take Jesus up on that offer because we do not want to admit that we are tired, burdened, or needy. We would rather keep working than admit weakness.

This is where the good news of Jesus meets us: the first step is admitting our need.

We must learn to admit that we need help.

Jesus commends faith like that of a child. Children are not ashamed of needing help, nor are they embarrassed to ask for it.

Yet we are often ashamed and embarrassed to receive anything from anyone, including God. We spend our lives propping up an image of ourselves that communicates power, competence, and clarity. We seek prominence and positions that declare that we are good, great, and completely put together.

Early in His ministry, Jesus explained whom He came to save:

“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
—Mark 2:17

While we seek to save face, Jesus calls us to come honestly to Him. His offer allows us to drop the charade, remove the mask, and admit our flaws, failures, insecurities, and inadequacies.

Jesus says, “I love you as you are. Quit trying to be who you are not.”

Will you embrace the rest offered to the sick rather than pretend to be well?

Will you admit your need, or will you try to conceal it all the more?

“Lord, make me childlike. Deliver me from the urge to compete with another for place or prestige or position. I would be simple and artless as a little child. Deliver me from pose and pretense. Forgive me for thinking of myself. Help me to forget myself and find my true peace in beholding Thee. That Thou mayest answer this prayer I humble myself before Thee. Lay upon me Thy easy yoke of self-forgetfulness that through it I may find rest. Amen.”