Our governor announced a mandate today saying that we must wear masks when in public, starting this Friday. And now it begins – the mask debates and opinions and shared articles, pro and con. I get it. All of you know I do. You know that I have shared my portion of opinions on various subjects. I don’t think it’s wrong to do that, but I do wonder what we as Christians are accomplishing.
Have we forgotten that God has ordained this time in history, and has also planned for you and I to be alive right now? What does He want us to say and do?
Just this morning, in my study of the book of Acts, I read the first four verses of Acts 8. Stephen had just been brutally stoned. Then Saul went on his horrible rampage, even entering the homes of Christians, dragging them out and putting them in prison. Christians were scattered all over Judea and Samaria.
Just think about that. Think about the fear you would feel. The awful fear of facing that kind of persecution or of having to run away from your families and friends, from your home and your town. Fearing prison or even death. Being hungry and homeless. And probably battling deep anger.
So what did these believers do? Verse 4: “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”
They shared the gospel.
If they were us, today, in our crazy world – what would they do? Argue about masks? Complain about quarantines or stay-at-home orders? Scour the internet for articles that confirm their beliefs? Deride those who don’t agree?
Doesn’t quite fit what I read in Acts about our early church family. And they were going through tons more than we are right now.
I find that thought, that knowledge, to be very personally convicting. We have a chance right now to talk to people who might not ever listen otherwise to the good news of Jesus. People who are vulnerable and scared and angry.
Why waste energy and time on feeding the frenzy right now? We need to feed people the Bread of Life. We need to get together with other believers and pray. We need to be in our Bibles.
Satan wants to mask any effort to share Christ with a hurting world by making us distracted by the unimportant. We can’t let that happen.
How I pray that we, the Church, will be the light in this darkness that will point others to the Light of the World.
He Said What?! 
Amen! As Christians, our actions tell others about us now is the time to care, call the housebound, pray for the country and individuals that are lost, and to reflect God’s light into the darkness around us. 🌺
LikeLiked by 4 people
Amen!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes I guess you could add me to the list of complainers on some day. I like your perspective. Thanks
LikeLiked by 2 people
I struggle as well, trust me. 😊
LikeLike
Here in Florida it’s just a little hard to imagine trying to wear a mask outside just walking around the neighborhood. But as you pointed out there are a lot of more important things to focus on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you don’t have to wear a mask outside. It’s just too hot for that!
LikeLike
Oh the wisdom in this post! I shared on another blog earlier that I’m a floundering member of our church because of all the negativity, and combativeness about every little thing. It’s mind boggling and I don’t get it when our Bibles point out so many great truths: to love, to support each other, to ask how shut-in’s are doing (even if that means a three hour call and I’ve had them with my 88 year old Aunt!), and to share just how much Jesus loved us He died for us! Thank you for a great word and a great reminder of our blessings and greater good. Be blessed!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m saddened, too, by the bickering I see in some circles. We can do better!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, we must, truly do better! 🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another AMEN from my corner, Patty. You are so right: Why waste energy and time on feeding the frenzy right now? We need to feed people the Bread of Life. Lord, help me be Your voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true, Nancy!
LikeLike
What does Aaron think of the Mask Mandate?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s not a fan. 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me either 😷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing Patty! So true we are called to be a light and lead others to Jesus. We can’t allow ourselves lose focus. Instead we must set a godly example.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so true, Dawn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually just finished reading through the book of Acts a few weeks ago and I remember getting to the end of chapter 16 where Paul and Silas are just getting out of prison and then in verse 40 It goes on to say that they went to Lydia’s house where they met with brothers and sisters and encouraged them. I was in awe of the fact that here they just came from something intensely negative YET they were the ones still encouraging others…beautiful and inspirational!
Your post reminds me of this scene❤️ praying we can be the example of Paul and Silas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A great example!
LikeLiked by 1 person