In Romans 2:17-24 Paul speaks of a splendid outward display, the beautiful mask worn by the self-righteous. They make confession; give praise and thanks to God; stand on the Word; claim a relationship with God; speak freely of His will; approve the excellent and beautiful; hold hands with the blind; talk of light in darkness; and give counsel to others. And normally, they employ insidious devices to flaunt their personal holiness, taking pride in their humility.
To the naive and unsuspecting, the beautiful mask appears like an angel arrayed in human form, like a star detached from the heavens to illuminate the earth.
To those who wear the mask, and will not look down into the heart Paul says "You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do dishonor God. The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, just as it is written." (Romans 2:23-24)
Beautiful mask-wearers project..
...a trusting heart in God's gifts but not in the Giver.
...a relationship with God but not in Christ alone.
...a desire for God's will unless it costs too much.
...excellence and beauty when the benefit is adulation.
...help to the helpless when it provides validation.
...words of light without admitting personal darkness.
...head knowledge over a changed heart.
God's people are in far greater danger from the deception of beautiful masks than they are from the world against which they so furiously rage. There is never a bad time to examine the heart of self beneath the beautiful mask.
