Watch the video above and talk about it with your family. Learn more.

Be honest with God and let him help to turn your weaknesses into strengths.

Have you ever thought about why Batman wears a mask? How about Spiderman? They’re trying to hide their true identity, who they really are. You know why? Because they’re just normal guys. The mask and super suit allow them to be someone else. Did you know Christians can do this too? We can put on “masks” to hide who we really are.

Don’t Pretend to Be Someone You’re Not

The fancy word for this is “hypocrite.” A hypocrite is someone who says one thing but does another. It’s like wearing a mask, pretending to be someone your not. Here are some examples”

  1. “Superman Sam” goes to church and sings really loud and answers all the questions about how to honor God. All the other kids think, “Wow, he must really love God by how he acts at church.” Later, you see Sam at school. He leaves people out at recess and talks behind his friend’s back. Sam doesn’t act like he cares about God’s opinion at school. His heart is really about bringing attention to himself, not to God.
  2. “Perfect Patty” always acts like everything is perfect in her life. She never feels sad or mad. Everything is peachy. But the truth is that on the inside, Patty does feel sad when her friends don’t invite her to the mall. She does get angry when her brother takes her stuff. She pretends that nothing bothers her. She doesn’t want to rely on God and his strength. She wants to pretend that she is strong enough on her own.

The Truth Is, You Aren’t Perfect

Did you know that? You aren’t perfect. You will make mistakes because you’re human, not a superhero. Don’t hide it. Recognize that you have sin in your life, deal with it, and be honest with others. Don’t say that you love God and then act like you don’t. Don’t pretend to be perfect and have it all together when you know you don’t.

With God’s Help, You Can Honor Him

The next time you’re tempted to put on a mask and act like someone you’re not, stop and pray. Ask God to help you to do the things that honor him, not because you’re pretending, but because you really want to please God.

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Key Points:

  • Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Don’t be a “Superman Sam” who acts good at church but is mean the rest of the week. Don’t be a  “Perfect Patty” who pretends nothing is wrong in life.
  • The truth is, you aren’t perfect. Don’t say that you love God and then act like you don’t. Don’t pretend to be perfect and have it all together when you know you don’t.
  • With God’s help, you can honor him. The next time you’re tempted to put on a mask and act like someone you’re not, stop and pray. Ask God to help you to do the things that honor him, not because you’re pretending, but because you really want to please God.

Memory Verse:

Matthew 5:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

See Also: Faithfulness

Talk About It
  1. What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
  2. Who’s your favorite superhero or super character? Why are they your favorite?
  3. It’s okay to dress up and pretend when you’re playing, but why is not good to pretend to be something you’re not in real life stuff?
  4. What’s wrong with being a Superman Sam?
  5. What’s wrong with being a Perfect Patty?
  6. How can God help us to overcome our weaknesses?
  7. Read Hebrews 4:15-16. Why is it comforting to know that Jesus understands our struggles? What do we receive when we come to God and ask for help?
  8. How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?