You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8, NLT).
As many members of OFCC know, on July 8, 2020 I shared with the congregation via our One Call Now (OCN) messaging service some devotional thoughts about mask wearing in regards to COVID-19. I revised the message somewhat and included it in our August 2020 paper newsletter. With a bit more revision, here it is again for those who do not receive our monthly church newsletter and might be interested.
Here is how I have personally come to handle this controversial mask-wearing issue. Do you remember in Philippians 2:3-11 where Paul instructs us to consider others more important than ourselves and to look out for others interests and not just our own? To illustrate how we are to do this, Paul then tells us to have the same attitude that Jesus had when He laid aside His divine privileges, came to earth in a human body, humbled himself and was crucified in obedience to His Father's will for the sake of you and me. If Jesus could set aside His divine privileges to wear a cross, then I can certainly wear a mask when advised for the sake of others. It is my understanding that the purpose of wearing a mask is to help prevent giving someone else the Coronavirus, not getting the virus from someone else. And even if I thought that masks don't do a bit of good (I know some who staunchly believe this is the case), if wearing one helps ease someone else's fear who does believe wearing one is of value, then it's worth me wearing for their sake in light of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10.
I'm trying to look at this as a follower of Jesus, not as a citizen of the U.S. with certain constitutional rights and privileges. As a Christian, my primary citizenship is that of the kingdom of God and my primary allegiance is to King Jesus (Colossians 1:13; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:15). By wearing a mask, I’m not disobeying God in any way—at least that I can see thus far—and may actually be pleasing Him (1 Peter 2:13-17).
On this issue, I’ve recently heard fellow Christians who refuse to wear a face covering as recommended/required say, “Don’t be a sheep.” I understand that they are concerned about government overreach. (In some places in the US this is probably a legitimate concern but perhaps not on the issue of mask wearing.) But let Christ’s followers remember His words, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me’ (John 10:27, ESV). As someone else said, Christians are to follow the Lamb of God, not a donkey or an elephant.
Hopefully this advice will be of help to some struggling with the expectation to wear a mask while entering and exiting the OFCC church building for worship and wearing one in other public settings as required by the State of Indiana and other states. These comments are not directed at those who are genuinely claustrophobic when they wear a mask or those with certain health complications that prevent wearing a mask. Such realities are understandable issues and I empathize with you.
Regarding another matter I request your prayers. I’ve enrolled in an online, graduate level New Testament theology course from Johnson University. It’s scheduled to last from August 24 through December 20. My hope is that this will be spiritually transformational not only for me but for the congregation. Please pray that I will practice Jesus-like self-discipline and maintain good health throughout the semester.
May the peace of Christ be with you,
Bart W. Newton, Preaching Minister