You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. (1 Thess. 2:5)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7
I recently attended a local community theater production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, not just because I love a good musical, but also to support one of the actors who is a member of the church we attend. He did a great job playing the lead, Caractacus Potts, a character that is so different from the Kevin we know when he’s not on stage. Obviously, we and the other audience members understood that nothing we were seeing was real. It was a show put on by performers playing their respective parts.
Acting has its place. Without actors, we would never be able to take in a play or enjoy a good movie. The opposite should be said of the church, however. Playing a role should have no place there. Paul demonstrated transparency to the Thessalonians by refusing to use flattery or pretense to get what he wanted or needed from them. His love and care for them kept it real, not a desire for recognition or praise.
Even as a pastor’s wife and missionary, there have been times in my life that I hid behind masks. Fear that my imperfections might be seen, or the desire for praise of my good works prompted me to slip them on at times. It’s easy to do. Paul, however, showed us how to keep it real. It’s called love.
Drop the masks that keep you from being real.
Marcy Burke enjoys living in Alabama, being a retired pastor’s wife, former missionary, and worship leader. She enjoys playing the piano and taking long walks with her husband, Larry.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
