I believe both my extraordinarily good looks and my brilliant mind bring joy to the world. Because of this, and rightly so, I struggle with humility. That’s why my conversation with Steve really bothered me.
Yesterday, Steve and I were talking about those who refuse to wear masks in a time when so many are being infected with Covid-19. He said, “I wear a mask as a sign of humility.” This got me thinking.
Steve is almost as good looking as I am. He’s almost as brilliant as I am. Yet he chooses to cover up his face because he believes it is God’s will and he may possibly save a life. I think he’s onto something.
I have the right not to wear a mask. I also have the right to be an idiot. It doesn’t mean I should be.
I truly don’t understand the argument some make about not wearing a mask because it is a violation of their rights. In fact, one of my dearest friends is a pastor who opened his church a few weeks ago. He truly regrets it. As he tried to enforce safe distancing and other necessary precautions, one of his members was furious. She told him the Nazis did the same thing. He didn’t know what that meant. Neither do I. But I am sure she was wrong.
The Nazis were not interested in saving lives. They were interested in taking lives. Wearing a mask is about saving lives. Choosing not to wear a mask is saying to the world my rights matter more than your life.
Wearing a mask in inconvenient. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean it isn’t God’s will.
Jesus went to the cross. That was inconvenient. Jesus died on the cross. That was uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t God’s will.
If pleasing God means wearing a mask, sign me up. Yes, the world will be a little bit sadder because people will not be able to see my handsome face. I’ll bet we survive.
As a Christian, my role is to follow God’s will and never do anything that would needlessly cause pain and suffering for others. In this time and place, that means choosing to wear a mask.
Paul said: “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Wear a mask and possibly save a life. That’s a good deal.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I am always tempted to put myself before others. Please forgive me. Give me a heart of humility, the wisdom to know your will, and the resolve to see it through. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Wearing a mask is not a liberal versus conservative thing. It’s a God thing.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 