by Joanie Butman
In response to last week’s article, a reader wrote to express her belief that while she supports and encourages wearing masks, she didn’t think they should be mandatory. She brought up an excellent issue - that I left out the crazies who are attacking people sans masks. True, there’s nothing ‘civil’ about that either. She highlighted their behavior as being worse than those refusing to wear masks, along with the hysterical fear the news media fosters.
It’s a shame that we have to be mandated to do the right thing, but that’s been humanity’s modus operandi since the beginning of time. Left to our own devices, we have a dismal track record in making wise decisions. There has also always been those who take it upon themselves to police others and become zealous in their vigilance in enforcing mandates. If you’ve ever lived in a condo/coop situation, you know what I mean. Geico currently has a parody running about such a person wreaking havoc in her planned community. My experiences in Florida with the condo constables is hilarious. They move with the stealth of navy seals ready to pounce for even the most minor infractions. Last year the parking violation I received for momentarily leaving my bike outside my parents’ condo is a perfect example.
The Pharisees were the enforcers during early Christianity. Saul (who eventually became St. Paul) carried out his persecution of Christians with the same misguided passion as some of the ‘crazies’ attacking those without masks. The fine for followers of Christ at the time was stoning, and I’ve encountered many folks who would willingly adopt the same for non-compliance with the mask mandate. There are fines and consequences for not adhering to all kinds of laws. Sadly, without consequences, ours would become a lawless society. The deeper consequences of not wearing a mask, however, extend well beyond the individual. A fine can’t undo the damage done by willingly taking the risk of spreading a deadly virus.
It’s my belief that it all comes down to why we comply. When your motivation to do the ‘right’ thing is fear for your own safety, you behave differently than when your motivation is love, respect and concern for others. Nowhere is this truer than in our spiritual life. The Old Testament covenant with its lengthy list of rules that no one could possibly remember, never mind satisfy, always led to condemnation and hypocrisy. It was all about your performance.
Conversely, the New Testament covenant releases us from that judgment through Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. He came to fulfill the law for us. It’s no longer about our performance but His. Our compliance with His new covenant of love isn’t motivated by fear but by gratitude for His payment of our fine. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13).
The religious elite during Jesus’ time (which were also the political/judicial powers) peddled fear to control the masses. Crucifying Christ was part of that fear-based power. Without the Holy Spirit the apostles would never have had the boldness to leave the upper room knowing that ultimately death would be the consequence. Their love and concern for the salvation of others motivated them to action and overcame their fear.
Jesus’ currency was and always will be love. Its efficacy has never been in question and it’s just as applicable today as it was then. Love always overcomes fear and leads to wise choices in thought, word and action.