As if a new virus that causes severe health issues and often death was not problematic enough, the pandemic has been filled with a variety of other controversies. One of the major ones at the moment revolves around people wearing masks. Somehow covering one’s nose and mouth has turned into a political and personal freedom issue. While there are people, such as asthmatics, who have legitimate concerns about wearing masks, many are fighting against them for senseless reasons.
Wearing a mask is literally one of the easiest things we can do to protect ourselves and others from the spread of a respiratory virus. Sure, they can be mildly inconvenient – making the air feel stuffy, fogging up our glasses, uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, etc. – but compared to getting the virus and its potentially devastating results, it’s an infinitely better option. Yet, many of us are not wearing them, choosing comfort and convenience over safety.
The Bible tells us that this is often the choice that humans make. It is filled with stories from Naaman to the Rich Young Ruler who balked at being inconvenienced for the sake of restoration - both physical and spiritual. Knowing our nature, God has made it as easy as possible for us to obtain salvation; all we have to do is believe in Jesus. Yes, that belief might make things inconvenient for us at times, but it’s infinitely better than the alternative. “If you openly say, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). May we all place our faith in Jesus, regardless of how it might inconvenience us!