Face Coverings

And some people need a face covering!  I mean, some people just aren’t as pleasing to look on as others.  Any covering is a large improvement!   OK, you know I am kidding.  (Man looks on the outward, God looks on the heart.)

OK, face coverings due to COVID-19…  I have encountered strong, very strong, opinions about this matter at both ends of the issue.  That is, some are dead against the whole idea while others firmly believe it is the right thing for everyone to do.  I appreciate both opinions but have concern that both ends be accepting and loving of those in opposition.

I’m reminded of a Bible story we talked about this past Sunday about Jesus paying the temple tax.  [We use this story to challenge our graduates to be submissive.]

The religious leaders had asked Peter if he and his Master had paid the tax due of all men 20 years and older and to be paid every third year.  Peter didn’t know so he asked Jesus.

Matthew 17:25-27, And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”  Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.  Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

The lesson?  There are mountains to die on and there are hills to give over – not fight for.

Translated, sometimes you may be totally right or legal, but you don’t press your position, rather joyfully submit to their position or demand.  Jesus was fully right to not pay, yet submitted and paid the tax for both Himself and for Peter.

So, concerning face coverings… You may be right, but you are not going to cause division.  We Christians are repeatedly challenged to be harmless as doves, gentle, and meek.  We are to be patient, forbearing, and kind.

Consider these verses:

1 Timothy 3:3, …not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome.

James 3:17, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, 

I Peter 4:8-9, And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

I Corinthians 8:9, But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 

I Corinthians 9:22, I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Romans 14:13, Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

1 Thessalonians 5:14, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

If a brother or sister (or even one of those outside the family of God) believes a face covering is the right thing to do, let’s do it!  And, if you are convinced that a face covering is the right thing to do, let’s not condemn or demand that everyone else comply (we are not requiring face coverings in our worship time knowing that a few are thus not comfortable attending.  We are glad we can offer the Livestream).  Let’s be good with one another about this issue.

(P.S. I have thought about wearing the Lone Ranger’s face covering but I’m not sure that would be approved by very many.)