We have to wear a face mask in Singapore everywhere in public because of CV19. There are pros and cons. The most important reason is that it protects us from any CV19 germs which may come from an infected person’s droplets when they speak or sneeze. It also stops us from infecting others if you have CV19 germs without knowing it, as some could be asymptomatic for several days.
Masks are a constant and tangible reminder that we are in a very serious worldwide pandemic and that uncomfortable though they may feel, we must endure the inconvenience for the sake of a higher cause, ie the goal of eradicating the disease. It is a short-term sacrifice for a long-term benefit.
Masks also cut off bad smells eg, from cigarette smoke or public toilets and other germs.
If I have been walking hard, or if it is a hot day, I feel the urge to take off my mask to breathe more easily. We have to consciously remind ourselves to bring our masks on leaving the home. I have often forgotten mine.
Masks restrict us from seeing a person’s full facial expression – you may not recognize that person again if you see them later without a mask! You can only see their eyes which may or may not tell you if that person is friendly. It is harder to recognize a person who is wearing a mask. It is also easy to mis-hear what is being said.
Even though masks partially cover our faces, God still hears and sees us perfectly. In fact, nothing is hidden from God, not even our thoughts and motives. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God they tried to “mask” (cover up) their shame/guilt by sewing fig leaves and making coverings for themselves (Gen 3.7). But God could see through all those man-made “masks”. Jeremiah 16:17 says “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.”
Some think they can get away with evil during this lifetime, but God is our ultimate Judge before Whom we must stand. I Corinthians 4:5 …wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.
Masks are useful for protection against this-earthly viruses. But God sees and knows everything about us, with or without our masks.
Ps Graham
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