To mask or not to mask; is that really a queston?

   I am very grateful to be serving a congregation that is not seriously taking sides over the question of mask or no mask. I know that people have differing opinions about the efficacy of wearing masks and that there is conflicting information given, even from the experts. But churches are experiencing deep divisions based upon this one issue. Obviously, God does not want this.

The title question got me thinking about Paul’s letter to Titus. In verse five of the first chapter, Paul tells Titus, “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.” The Apostle Paul wanted everyone on the island of Crete to know Jesus and have eternal life (1:1-2), so he left Titus there to minister to them. Titus’ main mission was to lead people to the knowledge of the truth (Jesus).

However, Paul warns Titus that there are many rebellious people (1:10) and that Cretans can be liars, evil and lazy gluttons (1:12-13). He further instructs Titus to “avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless” (3:9). In other words, Paul is telling Titus not to major in minor things.

Ravi Zacharias warns Christians of turning “either/or” issues into “both/and” issues. For example, it wouldn’t be Biblically right to say that Jesus is one way to heaven and there are other ways to heaven as well. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The way to the Father is clearly an “either/or” issue, not a “both/and” issue. There is only one way to heaven. Multiple ways cannot be biblically right. “Either/or” issues are central and should be defended.

What often happens among Christians and churches is that people get off the main mission of our Christian faith and start treating everything as an “either/or” issue. Before you know it, you have people foolishly debating the color of the carpet or walls. People start quarreling over the kinds of worship music. Members have hot disputes over whether or not everyone should or shouldn’t wear a mask in worship.

There is an old nursery rhyme that goes like this:

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been? I've been to London to see the queen.
Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there? I frightened a little mouse under a chair.

The poor pussy cat planned to see the queen, but got sidetracked by a mouse only to miss the queen. In essence, the pussy cat got so focused on what was minor that he missed the major purpose for his visit to London.

And so, the Apostle Paul, warns Titus, “But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.” Instead, the Apostle Paul instructs Titus to set right what was left undone and to appoint elders in every town. He wanted Titus to focus on helping the people of Crete to know Jesus.

Knowing Jesus and helping others to know Him is our major and mission. As I hear testimonies from pastors and parishioners of great division due to things like masks or no masks, I am grateful to be serving among you. I know many of us have opinions in these areas, but none have made them divisive. As a result, we can major in knowing Jesus and making Him known.

To Him be the Glory!      Pastor Tim