The Coronavirus COVID-19 temporarily closed down the world. As spring arrived, huge sectors of the population became restless and irascible. Young and old longed for contact with people outside their household.
Unfortunately, many “not grown-ups” habitually came out all over the country in rebellion against measures proven to deter the spread of the virus. Now, conservatives and even churches have jumped on the dangerous bandwagon by holding services in close contact with others and without facial protection.
It is unequivocally unethical for these “not grown-up” conservatives (or any other actors) to promote their right to act when their actions infringe upon the rights of others. Your right to act ends there. You are abjectly wrong.
The prime case in point is the facial mask deemed required by most governors and corporations to protect others. I agree that the masks are a nuisance, bothersome, and obstructive to breathing. They are however, proven effective to restrict the contagion of this dangerous virus.
What does the Bible say?
Being insistent upon your right to freedom as a U.S. citizen is not justifiable. Might I remind you that your U.S. citizenry is secondary to your Kingdom citizenry. As a Christian, you are a citizen of an impenetrable, everlasting Kingdom. Your first allegiance is there.
Make no mistake, you are free: ” . . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” [II Cor. 3:17b]. But, as it has been said, freedom isn’t free. The freedom we have was paid for by Christ Jesus. He is the victor with keys to death and the grave. We are not free to simply indulge our natural desires, there is caution from Galatians 5:13
13-15 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. [MSG]
We are to be submitted to those in authority: Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live. [Romans 13:1-5]
Another valid word for all who call themselves “born again”:
And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. [I Cor. 7:22]
All quotes from [MSG.]
