For quite some time, Christians have said we are living in some pretty strange times to describe current world events. I believe that this statement has never been more true than it is today. As in an attempt to combat a deadly virus, employers, restaurants, stores, doctors’ offices, cities, and even whole states are asking, if not requiring, people to wear face masks. Something that has been met with hard opposition from many. But that should not be able to be said about the church. Christians should be the first to don a mask whenever going into public spaces.
Our Bible clearly teaches that Christians are supposed to respect governing authority. Adhering to the regulations that they set in place as long as they do not restrict us from being able to serve God. Which the simple request to wear a face-covering in no way does. So to purposefully go against any government mandate to don a mask is not just rebelling against the local authority. It is also rebelling against the spiritual authority of God’s word.
Romans 13:1–2 (ESV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Romans 13:5 (ESV)
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Titus 3:1 (ESV)
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
1 Peter 2:13–14 (ESV)
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
While it is important that we as Christians honor God by obeying the regulations those in leadership have put into place, it is not the greatest reason we have to don a mask. When asked Jesus said the greatest command was to love God with your whole heart. He continued to say that another like it is to love your neighbor as yourself.
Mark 12:31 (ESV)
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Love is spoken of many times in our Bible and Christians are instructed to love all people. Scripture makes a point that we are not to simply say we love others. But that we are to show the love we have for others through our actions.
John 13:34 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
1 John 3:18 (ESV)
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
What greater way to show the love we have for others than by simply wearing a mask. In the hope that doing so will prevent someone else from contracting a virus. One that will cause them pain and suffering or even in severe cases, death. Are we not pro-life? Doesn’t that statement extend to all life of any age? Should we not do all we can to prolong the lives of others especially those who have yet to come to faith in a God?
Peter wrote that God is not being slow in fulling His promise to come for His people. On the contrary, He is being patient giving time for all people to be saved. Because He wants to see everyone come to repentance. Something that can only be done while they are living. We should be doing our part to give the lost more time to be saved and help meet the desire of the Lord for all people to come to repentance. In our current circumstances that means putting up with a little discomfort and wearing a face covering.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
I have heard many Christians say they are not afraid of dying and that’s great! Neither am I. We know where we are going and as the Apostle Paul said to die is gain. But we must remember the first half of the statement for me to live is Christ.
Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Living for Christ means living His word and following His example. Which looks like submitting to authority, caring for others, and even sacrificing our comfort for others. What we have to understand is wearing a mask is not about us. In fact, some scholars say that a face covering does more to protect others than it does the one wearing it. So by donning a mask you are doing something for the best interest of those around you, not your own. Which is the very example Christ left for us.
Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV)
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Let’s show the world what the church is really all about by being the first ones to don our masks every time. Christianity is not about anger, self interests, pride, or anger. No, being a Christian is all about humility, compassion, caring for the lest of society, putting other’s needs above our own, and extending the love of God to all people. Right now the best way we can do that is by putting on a mask.
It’s not fun, attractive, or even comfortable but does any of that matter when we are saving lives? When we are giving people every opportunity to themselves be saved? The benefits far out weigh the minor cost to our comfort when we see love abound and lives saved. So please do your part and don a mask when you go out. Not for yourself but for others.
Please help us get the message in front of more and more Christians. Let’s cause a change to be seen in the world that can only be attributed to the Lord. If you would like to help then share by clicking one of the icons bellow. Thank you so much for sharing and God Bless!
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