Let’s be logical in our thinking. God appointed Moses to be a lawgiver, and with the laws God gave a punishment for violation of His laws. We are also taught that those who are appointed to rule over us are appointed or ordained by God to execute judgment regarding our violation of those laws. A government is not a terror to those who obey the law, but the violators of those laws are subject to punishment for their violation of the laws.
We have laws that state we are not to exceed speed limits when operating our cars. If we violate those laws, we can be brought to judgement and be fined for our violations. These laws are not only for your own good but for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in your path.
We may not like the speed limit laws, but they must be obeyed or we suffer consequences, which could be injury or death for ourselves or others.
Seatbelt laws require that all persons in a vehicle be belted in. A violation of this law can also lead to a citation and fine. Seatbelts are to keep you from being ejected and possibly killed in the event you are struck by another driver.
These laws are not just a way of controlling you. If, however, you are stubborn and willfully disobey these laws, then you or your family or perhaps an innocent bystander may pay for your disobedience with his life.
People today want to claim that mask wearing mandates are preventing us from our freedom of choice. Where is disobedience of masking laws any different? Some say, “I won’t be controlled by being made to wear a mask. I want to make my own choice.” What if your own choice costs someone his or herlife, the life of a child, a spouse, parents, grandparents or other souls that are at high risk for a deadly virus? Would you willing to take that risk?
I will abide by the law and wear a mask as I am expected to do, not because I fear the control of government mandates or the risk of having to pay a fine. I wear one, instead, because I love and respect the life, health and safety of all people with whom I may come in contact. This includes you, too—even if you are not caring enough about your friends, neighbors and relatives.
If and when a deadly virus gets you, how will you justify your “I want to live my life my way” attitude? When you come before the judge of all mankind, Who is your Maker, Master and God, what will be your excuse?
When you refuse to listen to the advice of the medical community to (1) wear a mask, (2) sanitize and (3) remain socially distant, you and many others may become sick and die—becoming a statistic of a horrible pandemic. Should that happen, you will not only suffer from the problem, but you become part of the problem.
[Editor’s Note: This article obviously was written when the Covid-19 pandemic was ravaging the worldwide community with much higher than normal infections and deaths. Despite debating the usefulness of masks or the infringement on personal rights, it is still true that God—through the Holy Spirit inspired pen of the apostle Paul—requires us to abide by the laws of the land in which we live.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1–7 NKJV)
The lone exception to this divine directive is found in Acts 5:29. “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’” ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
