Mask wearing has become a hot topic ever since the coronavirus pandemic struck. There are many reasons for this, many of which have little to do with the virus itself.
For some, wearing or not wearing a mask has become a political statement, a way to express one’s support of one party or another.
For others, not wearing a mask is an issue of personal freedom, of individual rights, a declaration no one can tell them what to do, least of all the government. For still others, it has become a form of artistic self-expression, a competition to see who can wear the most outlandish design.
Why do I wear a mask? Well, let me first make one thing clear. I don’t wear it for political reasons. If I want to express my opinion of a politician, I won’t do it with a mask. I’ll wait till November and do it with my vote!
I wear a mask for two reasons. First, because they work. Debate this all you want, but the science is clear. Masks work!
While it’s true wearing a mask only decreases my risk of getting coronavirus from you by about 20%, a recent WHO study found it can reduce the risk of me giving it to you by over 80%. That’s significant and leads to the second reason I wear a mask. I wear it to protect others.
Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
As Christians we are called to love others, valuing them above ourselves, looking out for their interests above our own. Yes, wearing a mask can be uncomfortable. It gets hot under there at times and I can hardly wait to rip it off when I get by myself. However, if my having to deal with a little discomfort helps prevent my elderly neighbor or an immune-compromised friend from ending up on a respirator, then it’s worth the inconvenience.
You see, when it comes to wearing a mask, or in any other situation, we need to have “the same mindset as Jesus…” (v. 5). Jesus covered his divinity with the mask of humanity, and “being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (v. 8).
Wearing a mask is uncomfortable at times, but it’s the right thing to do. It’s not about politics. It’s about caring for our fellow human beings. It’s not fun, but being human was no picnic for Jesus either. It cost Him His life.
And, remember, while we may have to put up with masks till this pandemic ends, Jesus took on the appearance of a man for eternity! He did it because He loves us more than life itself. If Jesus could do this for me, then I guess I can wear a mask a little while for you. I hope you’ll do the same for me.
Have a Happy Sabbath, stay safe, and, please, wear a mask!