2 Corinthians 3:18 English Standard Version (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

We hide behind masks because we know what we are and in that knowledge do not want to share our innermost shame. The issue at this moment is not about our good conscience, it is about vision. The mask will hide how we feel from others but it also blocks our vision. Think about it in these terms, it’s a lie.

We all have a past and Christ forgave us our sins and continues to do so for what we continue to do that troubles us. Paul’s confession in Romans 8:15 makes it clear that the good conscience is troubled by our very own behaviors. We are not perfect in everything we do. The cleansing of our conscience comes through honest confession of condition which means taking off our masks.

Some complain about their ability to see Christ in others but is it because of their mask or our own? It is our first responsibility to pluck the splitter from our own eye before trying to help another. (Matt. 7:3-5) The expression unveiled is in reference to the flesh, that the veil is flesh. Hebrews 10:20 defines the veil of the temple that prevented us from entering in was the flesh of Christ. That, being removed, torn from top to bottom, is no longer an obstacle. Our flesh on the other hand, still remains.

The only thing hindering our transformation into His image is our flesh. This is why Paul encourages us over and over again to abstain from fleshly lusts of all types. It is a hindrance in allowing His glory, which resides in us, from shining forth. By wearing a mask we make it all about us rather than Christ.