Let me preface this op-ed by saying I don’t care what you do about wearing a mask. That is between you and God. This is not a judgement in anyway. This is simply my opinion and view on the masking question from a biblical perspective as it is revealed to me.
Romans 13 tells us to obey the authorities and follow their rules. Why? Because God has ordained all authorities. No where does it say only if we think they deserve our respect should we obey. In addition, it says that those who resist the authorities are actually resisting God and will be judged because of it. The only exception is when what the authorities direct us to do is against what God has commanded us to do.
To fellow Christians who say that our trust is in God not in the authorities that tell us we will be safe if we do what they want, I say that when Jesus was told by Satan to throw Himself down, because God would save Him, Jesus said you shouldn’t test God. Mathew 4. Jesus basically said, while it is true that God could save Me from dying before hitting the ground, that doesn’t mean I should be stupid. I still have to be smart and do the prescribed things needed to keep myself safe.
Our freedom is given to us by God not man.
Wearing a mask is not going blindly along with what the authorities say. It has to do with being a good citizen in this world. It has to do with being obedient to God not man.
Furthermore, when we as Christians don’t wear a mask in public it can send mixed signals to those who live in the world. Those in the world see us acting as though we are too good to follow the rules. When actually the opposite is true. We should be setting the example in humility and love on how to be a good citizen.
Jesus tells us next to loving Him the most important thing we can do is love others as ourselves. How much does it say I love you to someone when we disregard public health warnings and government mandates, jeopardizing the health of others for whatever reason we tell ourselves. Nothing Jesus teaches, tells us to put ourselves or our needs or wants above others.
Finally, if you are someone with legitimate health reasons for not being able to wear a mask, you have my deepest concern and prayers. While a face mask is the best preventative, a clear face shield is a good alternative. Certainly it is not the best preventative. However, it does present to others that you care about them. After all that is what God does command us to do. Mark 12:31.
Closing thoughts. There is enough hate in this world without us fanning the flames with our personal pride and anger (both sins) over wearing a mask or being asked to socially distance ourselves from those who are concerned about becoming sick.
Peace to all
