To wear a Mask or Not!

  I am familiar with this following situation.  Many might not know this, but in certain countries it is illegal for nationals to eat beef. The available beef in this country is for tourists.  A pastor was recently accused of eating beef and was placed in prison for one year.  

I told that story, as literally thousands of other stories could be told of what I would call persecution. 

I am reminded of the passage in Hebrews 10:32-39

Hebrews 10: (NLT) 32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

37 “For in just a little while,

the Coming One will come and not delay.

38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.

But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

At present, it is pretty hard to say that Christians are persecuted in our country.  There may be mild inconveniences—but no beatings, no confiscations of properties and no crucifixions.

The largest potential issue we are dealing with is wearing a mask!  Wow!  There may be other slight persecutions coming our way—but we are not of those who shrink back and turn away.  We love God.  We love others.  We cooperate to the best of our abilities when our beliefs, ethics or morals are not in jeopardy. 

Perhaps the best way to show the world we love Jesus is by our love—not by our lack of cooperation?  Did not Jesus himself say this: John 13:35 (BBE) 'By this it will be clear to all men that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.'