“To wear or not to wear? That is the question.”
                  W. Shakespeare, were he alive today [1]

In these days of the Coronavirus pandemic, masks are all the rage. I mean that in both the positive and negative sense of the word. All around us people wear them as though they are the new fashion craze. Many people are sporting the basic medical white and blue. Others choose to wear fancy (and not so fancy) homemade varieties. And then there are those who don futuristic hi-tech models that look like something out of a cos-player’s wardrobe. Of course, the purpose of these masks is not to to keep up with the latest fashion trends. They are being worn as protection against the spread of COVID-19.

Not everyone, however, chooses to wear a mask or face covering. I suspect most of those who don’t feel relatively safe and believe their chances of catching the virus are low. However, there are some who are outright defiant, sometimes angry even, over the suggestion that they cover their face, citing such things as personal rights and freedom.

At the time I write this, guidelines where I live regarding face masks are just that, guidelines. There is no law requiring people to cover their face and everyone is free to decide what they will do. For me, the decision is rather straightforward. As long as officials and experts recommend it, I will cover my face when out in public. Furthermore, should my church’s leadership recommend masks when we begin meeting in person again, I will joyfully comply.

Love and Compassion

I am under no illusions that wearing a mask will prevent me from contracting COVID-19. The CDC has made it clear that wearing a mask is less about protecting the wearer from contracting the Coronavirus and more about stopping them from spreading germs into the environment. (CDC.gov – “About Cloth Face Coverings,” Reviewed 5/20/2020) No matter how effective a mask is, your body can still be covered in germs and it doesn’t take much to transfer them from your clothes to your nose. However, masks may keep a person from spreading germs in the first place, even if they don’t appear to be sick. There have been numerous reports of people testing positive for the virus who had previously been symptom-free or exhibited atypical symptoms. For those individuals, face coverings help keep them from spreading virus-containing droplets.

As a Christian, I take this information to heart. I believe wearing a mask helps me follow the Biblical mandate to care for the well-being of others. Christians are often called to sacrifice our own comfort and desires in order to benefit others. By wearing a face covering, I feel I am caring for others by doing what I can to ensure that I am not the cause of their getting sick.

Furthermore, my concern is not just for other’s physical health, but their mental health and comfort as well. Read what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians. (The ESV heads this section “Paul Surrenders His Rights”.)

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

(1 Cor. 19-22 ESV)

To be clear, Paul was talking about leading people to Christ, not protecting them from disease. Still, I think the sentiment pertains to our current situation. My goal as a Christian is to make people feel accepted and understood, and helping them to feel comfortable, safe, and loved are the first steps toward that goal. If my wearing a mask can help someone who is anxious about their health relax, then why wouldn’t I?

I believe this is especially important in church. The congregation is a family. We want our families to feel safe and we want them to grow. For that to happen, the people we invite need to be comfortable walking through our doors. Even if I was convinced that I was healthy, if covering my mouth eases the concerns of a fellow worshiper, then I should take Paul’s lead, become like them, and wear a mask. It could be the difference between their staying to hear God’s word or leaving.

I will wear a mask because it is a way that I can demonstrate love, compassion, and empathy.

God’s Instruction

It seems to me that a lot of Christians believe human leaders are completely separated from God. They have their own agendas and many times they are at odds with God’s plan. Once again, the apostle Paul has something to say about that.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed…

Romans 13: 1-2a

While Paul teaches that that our worldly leaders are appointed by God, he doesn’t suggest that it is always for our blessing. Sometimes it is for correction, discipline, or, in the case of unbelievers, punishment. Regardless, God uses government and authorities to work out His perfect plan for creation.

In the case of this current pandemic, I feel God is blessing us through our leaders. I believe He has led experts and government officials to institute quarantines and personal safeguards for a couple of reasons. The first seems obvious: to provide the information and means necessary to keep us, and those around us, healthy and alive. The second is that He knows we are stubborn and would probably choose complacency over protection unless ordered to do so by someone in authority.

If God appoints and directs leaders who may or may not honor or acknowledge Him, then how much more does He direct those who do, namely our Pastors, elders and other members of church leadership? I trust my church’s leaders to have my best interests at heart and to constantly seek God’s guidance. Furthermore, when I became a member, I vowed to “submit to the government and discipline” of my church. In light of this, not wearing a mask during worship would at best constitute disrespect, and at worst be a breaking of vows.

I will wear a mask because I believe to do so is to honor God’s instructions given through those in authority, whether in government or the church.

Regardless of the reasons, wearing a face mask is a personal decision I’ve made, allowing me to focus on others instead of myself. I have chosen to forgo my own desires and comfort so that others may feel comfortable and safe. I have chosen to resist my own will in order to show respect to those who have authority and to obey my God. This pandemic will eventually pass and we will all be free of these restrictions. Until then, however, I will strive to be content in the situation in which we all find ourselves and help others to do the same. (Phil. 4: 12b)

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[1] Maybe not, but it’s fun to pretend.