Hello Kirk,
My name is Tim. Although we have not met, we have something important in common; we both profess to be born-again Christians. I have long admired your boldness and your defense of the gospel in the TV and film industry, which does not always show respect for people of faith.
You came to my attention recently when you hosted a Christmas party where several hundred people gathered. Oh, how I wanted to be there to participate in the caroling; but I am at high risk for the coronavirus because of my age, history of respiratory problems, and ongoing treatment for cancer. I will have to wait until next year.
So, it was disappointing, Kirk, to see that you did not wait until next year, because those attendees at your event were crowded together, singing out loud, with very few of them wearing masks. Granted, it was outdoors, but in my opinion your guests were at an increased level of risk of catching or spreading the disease.
We all share the frustration and the inconveniences of this health crisis. We all want to return to normal, to once again crowd into the pews. But what I fail to understand is why so many Christians, including some notable church leaders, regard the governmental restrictions as an assault on religious liberty. They have spoken of their right to worship and assemble — defying or disregarding local, regional, and statewide mandates.
What rights are we talking about, Kirk?
Many years ago, I knelt at the foot of the cross and begged the Lord to invade my heart, pledged my fealty to the King of Kings, and declared myself all in as a believer. And at that moment I relinquished every right. In the words of the Apostle Paul, I had become a bond servant, a slave by choice. To use a sports metaphor, I was no longer a free agent. I was under contract, and my contract was purchased with the shed blood of the One who saved me.
In the New Testament of the Bible, it is written that if we are to be His followers, we must “… deny ourselves, pick up our crosses daily, and follow Him.” Furthermore, we are instructed in the words of Christ to obey the governing authorities – “… to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” If the governing authorities demanded of me to behave immorally, to practice violence, or to stop worshipping God; then I would be obliged to resist. However, the government has asked you and me to limit our numbers and to wear a mask — not what I consider violations of the First Amendment, and no First Amendment right is without some limitations.
Take our church for example. In the sanctuary there is a small sign on the wall that says MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY. It is posted by the Ventura County Fire Department and states the maximum number of worshippers for meetings and banquets. In the church kitchen there are strict guidelines for food preparation, handwashing, and face coverings, which are posted by the Ventura County Health Department. These ordinances and many others are commonly accepted as reasonable constraints for the health and safety of the people who work and worship at the church.
If you and others are correct, that the mask and the distancing are of no significance and do not stop the tide of infection, then the wearing of the mask would be silly and uncomfortable. But it would do no harm!
On the other hand, if Dr. Fauci, the CDC, and health professionals worldwide are correct, then not wearing a mask would be more than silly. It will be deadly. Yes, wearing the mask is inconvenient; but it is not insignificant, because more than 340,000 people in America are dead already … and counting.
One of my church friends asked, “What’s the big deal about masks?” My question exactly! What is the big deal? The mask is such a little deal, a piece of cloth. Why fuss over it? Why not just wear it? I do not consider the mask and social distancing as infringements on my personal freedoms, so I have no problem obeying this mandate.
However, that is not my main reason. I wear the mask because as a Christian I am compelled to love my neighbor. The Scriptures tell us that we will “… be known as Christians by our love,” — our love for one another, and our love for people of all nations, tribes and tongues – all of whom are living with this pandemic and its restrictions just like us. In this perilous time, I can think of no better way to demonstrate this Biblical admonition than to do my small part, to practice a minor inconvenience, and to consider the well-being of the people around me.
To me, that is Bible 101.
If you have another caroling party next year, I hope that distancing and masks are no longer necessary, that I get an invitation, and that with full throats we can sing the hymns, the psalms and the spiritual songs of the season.
Sincerely,
Your brother and neighbor in Christ,
Tim Piatt, Thousand Oaks
Tidings from Tim 