During this COVID19 pandemic, the government has issued recommended safeguards. One recommendation is to wear a mask to avoid infecting others, even if you do not show symptoms of the virus.
Right off the bat, let me say that I do not like the idea of wearing a mask. Unless I am performing open cavity surgery on someone (which I appreciate my surgeons wearing masks), I do not see the practical benefit of it. I have worn a mask to two of our worship services and I feel like an idiot the whole time.
Besides that, I have traveled around the world and my gut reaction when I see others wearing masks, usually in Asian countries, my first thought is to pity those who live under a totalitarian regime that keeps their people under submission by random mandates.
Having said that, in our current situation where the government has recommended wearing masks, elders at our church have temporarily voted to adhere to those guidelines. In spite of how I feel about mask-wearing and this whole Covid-19 thing, I cannot let myself join in on the side of those yelling “conspiracy theory!” or “Give me mask-less liberty or give me death!” Something about it just doesn’t feel right.
As I was mountain biking today, I was thinking about the arguments I’ve heard against wearing a mask.
I am strong, they are weak. Why should I have to put on a mask?
Everyone is deceived, believing lies, I have the truth! Why should I have to put on a mask?
It’s humiliating and degrading. Why should I have to put on a mask?
Then, I thought, what happens if you imagine a conversation among the Godhead as God agreed that Jesus would put on flesh. Would we hear Jesus say,
I am strong, they are weak. Why should I have to put on flesh? (John 16:33; Rom. 8:37)
Everyone is deceived, believing lies. I AM the Truth! Why should I have to put on flesh? (John 1:14; 14:6)
It’s humiliating and degrading. Why should I have to put on flesh? (Phil. 2:5-8)
We know from Scripture that these are the exact opposite responses of Jesus’. In a situation where EVERYBODY was deceived, weak and ignorant, God didn’t respond with fist-shaking anger. Instead, He condescended to help the weak (that’s us, by the way).
So, Even though you may be right, and I honestly think you are, especially politically-speaking, I just can’t join you. Even though I REALLY want to join you, this next thought stops me short. I have been bought with a price and the life I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Gal. 2:20)
Take it from a man who shares your opinion — You are not coming across as “right.” You are coming across as proud. You may be unmasking more than you intend.