Haggai 1:7 (NIV): “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.’”
I’m struggling with masks. I really don’t like wearing them. They make me feel claustrophobic. Now don’t get me wrong. I do the social distancing thing and I really respect the seriousness of this virus. I just read that the actual numbers in the United States could be that up to 60 million of us have already been infected. The virus is certainly spreading. I have family members and friends that, if they got the virus, could be at risk of dying from the virus. I don’t want that to happen.
So what am I to do if I want to respect the seriousness while balancing the pros and cons of wearing masks. I’ve read about both sides of this issue and both sides are sincere and have strong points. I’ve been taking to heart what Haggai challenged the returning Jewish exiles over 2,500 years ago when they needed to embrace rebuilding the temple. I am giving careful thought to my ways.
As I have pondered this issue, I realize that it is not about me. Even if I come to the conclusion that mask wearing is not that effective, I should lay my own desires down, and support others who feel differently. Even as Jesus has challenged me to love others the way the He has loved me, wearing a mask is a way that I can show others that I love them, and perhaps alleviate any fears that they may have, even if I don’t have those fears. I really want to continue giving careful thought.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, even as I struggle with wearing a mask, may I embrace laying my life down, even as Jesus did, and sacrificially loving others. I also pray that this virus is thwarted, but in the meantime, may Your Kingdom grow.