There are many ways to think about the very confusing and controversial mandates to wear a mask. Here are 10 reasons why and considerations for the church as we are called to wear a mask during our worship services.
First, Pastor Charlie is not present at the moment to help make the decision. Since there are serious legal ramifications for both Pastor Charlie and myself, as acting board members of GCF, it is only right that I do not make a decision on his behalf that can bring legal and financial ramifications upon him and his family. For instance, you should know that if someone were to contract the virus at a service our insurance almost certainly would not cover us since we acted against the mandate. In this case, Pastor Charlie and Pastor Kevin would be responsible for all legal related and medical expenses, which could become astronomical.
Second, it should be noted that the governor is not violating our rights to meet and practice our religion and he is not asking us to sin or violate Scripture in any way by wearing a mask. Let me affirm that there is a point when Christians must rise up and “obey God rather than man.” To the best of my ability, I do not believe we have reached this point, at least not yet.
Third, if we obey the orders we do so in faith. Scripture makes it clear that the default position of believers is to honor our governing authorities and obey them, recognizing that it is God who sovereignly appointed them for our good (Romans 13:1-2; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Keep in mind these were commands issued to believers under rulers more wicked than ones we face today. The church has an opportunity to grow in faith and surrender to Christ as we obey those whom God has placed above us.
Fourth, if we disobey we must also do so in faith, with full conviction, with clarity and with sober amounts of seriousness. If God were to make an act of disobedience clear to us we believe his spirit would act upon his people and bring conviction, clarity, and unity. In the meantime ask God to reveal in you where you might be harboring ungodly hatred for your governing authorities. Is there even a growing resentment in you towards God who appointed such leaders? If we act in disobedience we must do so motivated by faith in God, honoring the ruler (1 Peter 2:13) and not out of spite for our him/her. Remember, God sets up kings (Daniel 2:20) and God turns the hearts of kings like a river (Proverbs 21:1) and God calls his people to pray for their governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-7).
Fifth, it should be noted that Christians are notbeing targeted in these measures. Many, many organizations and sections of society are being affected even worse than we are. While it is true that there have been egregious inconsistencies to the social distancing standards, all religions are also under the same mandates and many organizations are impacted by these measures.
Sixth, while many believers at GCF might find this mandate unwelcome there are those who see it as a reasonable measure of safety. Please get to know them and respectfully engage with their point of view and learn from them. This is a time to pursue unity, not division. Learn to seek the opinion of those you do not agree with and have fruitful, respectful conversations with them.
Seventh, remember our unity as believers is in the blood of Christ and not in our response to COVID. We must not prioritize our views on COVID above the gospel that brings us true unity. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, these types of mandates effectively invite division. May it not be so for the church. Oh church, please remember the precious blood of Christ that makes us the people of God and please, I beg of you, do everything in your power to preserve that unity (Ephesians 4:1-3) and prioritize it above everything else.
Eighth, remember Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself. The reality is that you have neighbors at church who are very concerned about contracting COVID. Wearing a mask may be a part of what it looks like to love your neighbor and die to yourself.
Ninth, remember our brothers and sisters throughout the world who have to deal with much greater injustices and afflictions because of wicked governments and their faith in Christ. Please remember that Scripture itself affirms that all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted (1 Timothy 3:10).
Tenth, remember that if you have a medical condition you are excused from wearing a mask on Sunday. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:7 that “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Thus, we should naturally believe the best about someones intentions to not wear a mask if they are doing so.
I hope this provides our church with a helpful framework to approach this very strange and very unique time in our lives together. Let us consider it a great privilege to be purchased with the blood of Christ, to worship the King of kings together who died for us upon the cross and lavished us with mercy, regenerated us by his Holy Spirit and made us heirs of eternal life!
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