Masks and Living in Both the Kingdom of God’s Grace, and This World

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What a privilege it is to live within the kingdom of God’s grace! In this kingdom, God graciously rules over us in perfect love, and deals with us through both Law and Gospel. The Law shows us our sins and the Gospel shows us our Savior who loves and forgives us. He never changes and neither does his Word of promise. It is good to dwell in the kingdom of God!

Pastor Bill Ryden, pastor at our sister congregation Hope, recently wrote: “But we also live within this world. While we are in this world, we are not of this world. In other words, we are part of two kingdoms. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Yet, while in the world, the Word of God instructs us to submit to the ruling authorities because they are God’s servants (Romans 13:1). We are to pray for them and honor them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are to live such good lives among the citizens of this world that their slander is silenced (1 Peter 3:13-17), and that they see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16). We are to conduct ourselves as God’s holy children as we relate to the various individuals and institutions around and over us, including the governing authorities.”

Sometimes, there is tension as we strive to live in both kingdoms. On the one hand, we have the right to express our thoughts about our governing authorities as well as the right to vote for those we want to lead us. On the other hand, we have a higher calling to honor God and those he has put over us. Living in the kingdom of God’s grace and the kingdom of this world often leads to difficult choices which call for humility and prayer. We have experienced that a lot of late.

So how do we apply these things to our current situation. Recently, our governor issued an executive order that masks must be worn by all people over the age of two while indoors in a public setting effective August 30, 2021. (There is a question as to whether this includes places of worship). So, how shall we proceed?

For the time being, we highly encourage everyone to consider getting vaccinated and to wear a mask while attending worship or other activities at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Those who choose to not wear a mask for conscience’s sake will still be welcome to participate in worship and other activities. We are not going to be the mask police. However, as your pastor, I will direct everyone to the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we gather for worship, Bible study or other activities, we must all do everything we can to love, serve, protect and build up one another and not let anything cause divisions or take away from the peace we have in Christ (Romans 14:19). This includes such things as wearing masks and physical distancing. We should always put the needs of others ahead of our own (Ephesians 4:1-3). This is nothing more or less than what we have always encouraged.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (815) 483-8363 or Howard Hamilton (congregation chairman) at (815) 630-3524, or Jeff Jones (Elder chairman) at (404) 953-2967 and we will be happy to talk with you.

 

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Loy Schlote