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Christian Attitudes Toward Wearing A Mask
As I scroll through social media, I am constantly seeing discussions and people questioning whether or not we should wear a mask due to the coronavirus. I am seeing some who strongly support the wearing of a mask. They have shared articles and studies that state how effective wearing a mask can be in stopping the spread of the virus. I have also seen others who strongly disagree with the wearing of a mask. They as well have shared articles and studies that state wearing a mask is not helping stop the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, I’ve seen some who disagree so much that it has caused arguments and hurtful, hateful feelings towards other Christians. Why is it we are allowing the topic of a mask to divide us from our common faith?
Let me say this, do I like wearing a mask in public? The answer to that is a strong NO. Do I wish we could choose for ourselves if we should wear one? Yes I do. However, is it really a big deal to wear one? I have seen comments that suggest those who wear a mask are sheep, blindly following the media. I have seen comments that suggest those who wear a mask are paranoid and scared. Honestly, I’ve seen a lot of negativity from both sides about whether or not we should wear a mask.
I remind you of Paul’s words in Romans 13. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” The fact is, whether or not we like wearing a mask, we must be subject to the governing authorities. If we live in a town or city that has placed a mandate, requiring the use of the mask. We must follow it, not because we like it, but because we are Christians. Wearing a mask is not a persecution of our faith, nor is it a hindrance to our worship. Yes, it can be annoying and aggravating, but it is not stoping us from following God. Therefore, we as Christians, should follow the laws and mandates our local government has put in place.
One more thing I want to mention in regard to this topic is this. I have heard many argue that I will not wear a mask, and if I am questioned I will just say I have a medical condition that makes it unsafe for me to wear one. Now, if you do have a medical condition then I have no problem if you chose not to wear one. However, if you say this, and there is no medical condition, then let me remind you of the fact that telling lies is also sinful before God. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us that God hates a lying tongue. We as Christians are to be truthful people, even if it means doing something we don’t want to do.
Let us remember, that we must serve God first and foremost. Serving God means we also listen to the laws of the land. Let us be shinning lights in the world in which we live. There is already so much negativity and division in the world around us. Let us not add to it simply over the wearing of a mask
