Hiding Behind A Mask

Christian service is built around doing for others

and you can’t do that with a barrier between you and someone else.

Matthew 7:12 (KJV) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

1 Peter 3:8-9 (KJV) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

It’s a Christian duty and privilege to serve others in the kingdom of God.

Make me a blessing Lord!

I want to bless others so they can be encouraged.

I want them to be encouraged so that they can cross the finish line in this life and make it to heaven.

Galatians 5:13 (KJV) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

When I was in the military and we would run in formation,

it was drilled into us to make sure everyone made it and finished the run.

If anyone lagged behind, we would drop back and pull them up.

Nobody was left behind.

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

I don’t want to see anyone left behind.

My hope is that everyone I know will make it to heaven.

That’s what the mindset of Service to others will do for you.

You will get out from behind the mask and be real with people.

III. Masks keep us from true fellowship

It’s a beautiful thing to be a Christian. God brings us not only into fellowship with him but to other believers.

Isn’t it wonderful to be in fellowship with other believers?

Isn’t it great to have somebody you can talk to?

When you’re going through problems isn’t it great to have somebody with, “skin on”?

I’m sure you heard the story of the little girl who was in bed and in the middle of the night had a nightmare. She called her mother and asked her to stay with her a while. The mother, wanting to get back to sleep, tried to comfort her by saying that Jesus would be watching over her and that he would protect her. The little girl said, “I believe that mother, but right now I would like someone with skin on.”

I believe in God;

I believe in the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence.

There is nothing like it.

But sometimes you just need someone with skin on.

To be able to look them in the eyes and see the expression on their face as they express comfort.

That’s difficult to do with a mask on.

This pandemic has changed a lot of our lives.

I had to do a funeral just a few weeks into the first shutdown.

It is difficult to express your sorrow and concern for others with a barrier on your face.

Several times I remove my mask so people can see my concern and love for them. I know that it may have been dangerous.

I realize that others would tell me that I was wrong and not following the rules. But what was more important was that the bereaved were comforted.

I was willing to take that chance because people are important to God.