The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2. Corinthians 4:4

In this fourth week of social distancing and simply staying put I’m sewing face masks for family and friends because I have more fabric than I can possibly ever use up, I am blessed with a sunny sewing room – and I know how to sew. More than that, it’s because I want to do something, anything to help out. I miss serving in the community so this is what is in front of me to do.

I’ve had plenty of time to reflect how the Corona virus affects daily life. I really miss being with family and friends face to face, giving real hugs and getting them, especially from Josh my favorite bear hugger at church, instead of air embracing six feet apart. Yesterday two thoughtful friends walked to our house to say hello ( probably also check on us older folks!) and to pick up face masks that I made. Dan and I sat outside on the porch while they stayed on the driveway. The afternoon was warm and sunny so we lingered as long as we could. It was pleasant but such a reminder of new normals which this virus imposes . We’re accepting that it is normal to wear protective masks in public. We’re warned not to touch one another. We look for signs of a spiking body temperature for the viral attack which we can’t see with our eyes. It is an invisible foe.

Masks and elevated temperatures are two faces of this particular Covid 19 coin. We put on the mask to protect us and other from getting the virus. We take our temperatures to see if the virus has taken hold. They are visible indicators of what’s happening to us physically. However, “as in the natural, so in the spiritual” as one of my mentors teaches. What goes on in the invisible spiritual world, in the battleground between light and darkness is far more critical to our souls than this pandemic is to our bodies.

To be blunt, let’s admit that we Christians actually wear masks every day. The question is why? What are protecting from? Everyone talks incessantly about being vulnerable and transparent, but then why do we hide half of our faces in front of believers because of fear, suspicion, rejection and old hurts? How many times a day do we slip on worldly masks of unrighteousness instead of the Word of God because we want to be tolerant, accepted, and too afraid to speak the Gospel? Is there a well worn mask that filters out the breath of the Holy Spirit which is conviction and correction. Why do we put on the mass produced masks of the devil so we don’t have to look in the mirror at our stiff necks and stoney hearts? Why do we hide behind the iron mask of unrepentant sin and shame before the blinding light of God who sees us, knows everything about us and offers us His love in Christ Jesus?

Undoubtedly these questions are difficult, but this is not the time to shirk them. Let’s not put on the mask of indifference and denial…
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

As Jesus’ Church, let believers be the first to stand before our God with our naked faces lifted to His. May we pray that Holy Spirit rips off the masks we unwittingly or deliberately put on. It is spiritual temperature taking time, the gauge needed to show where an unseen, mortal virus has taken hold of your heart and doing violence to your spirit.