Does God Still Mean What He Says in Romans 13:1-2?

6-30-20

There are thoughtful arguments on both sides of the issue of whether churches need to obey the orders to wear masks. Some believe the masks hinder the fellowship and worship we are called by God to exhibit in church. They truly believe that the masks inhibit serving and loving as we're called to do, and I can appreciate that viewpoint. It is surely genuinely felt and in some cases I think it is accurate. Leadership in all churches have had to grapple with this, and I don't envy them. 

What is important is that the leadership handle it one way or the other, and that all of us in the church make sure we are doing what we believe God wants us to do. Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church. Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Pastors--shepherd the flock. Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together...

With that, I give you some verses to consider. 

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 

Romans 13:1-2 NASB

Submit yourselves for the Lords sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB

 

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 ESV

 
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. Titus 3:1 ESV

Updated Nov 2020

For some, the difficulty lies in that obeying God, when it isn't wanted, simply fails to satisfy emotions. It feels much better to tell someone to 'stick it', particularly when we deeply believe they deserve it. But do our kids need more of that type of example when it comes to authority? 

For some, they genuinely believe the government is overstepping and has no right under our Constitution to infringe on our church services. 

Overall, I'm not sure I've read where God says if I disagree with the government, all these verses don't apply to me. It would seem these verses are here for such a time as this. Unless we're asked to sin, we should obey. 

What would condemnation from God look like in 2020? Remember, it is condemnation upon believers. Punishment from the Alpha and Omega for disobedience to Him. 

We need to stand together as believers, trusting in the only One who is just, and thoughtfully evaluate when it is time to step away from following what the authorities say. We can all too easily fall into sin long before it is genuinely warranted. We can also compromise and not do what God wants us to do out of fear. This is why it is a personal decision on whether to wear the masks in church or not, and to not judge others or allow our children to judge others. The discomfort of wearing a mask is not a legitimate deciding factor, for the record. 

At some point we will likely find ourselves having to take a stand against an unholy government, but my hope is that we will collectively know when that is, per each of our own states. 

Here is an example of a pastor's loving leadership when it comes to the issue of masks from Nov 2020. Clearly he has gone with the view that obeying the Governor is obeying God. What I like is the fact he is a very loving pastor and is clearly stating what they will do and why. 

It has been some time since the elders have sent a communication regarding COVID 19.  As we have repeatedly emphasized since March, we continue to monitor the developments surrounding the pandemic, and as changes to our response are warranted, we will respond accordingly.  In light of Governor _______'s executive order yesterday, November 13, the elders are requesting that everyone ages 10 and older wear a face mask for both Sunday School and worship.  Exceptions to this requirement will be the adult Sunday school teachers while teaching, those who are actively leading the service from the platform until they return to their pew, and those who are exempt from the governor’s order.

 

Because of the immediate nature of the governor’s order we will not be able to provide face masks for the congregation as our supply has run low. As a result, please come prepared with your own mask to wear.

 

We understand that this decision will result in mixed emotions throughout our church family.  However, we ask that for the sake of unity and harmony, everyone extend grace and patience as we move through this season.  As always, our intention is to obey Romans 13, and consider the well-being of our church family and those around us.

 

While this request temporarily removes another area of normalcy from our lives, we want to remind you that God will not change, the content of our worship services will not change, and the love, care, and warmth of our church family must not change.  Now, more than ever, we need one another.  We love you, are praying for you, and look forward to gathering with you tomorrow to worship our good and great God. 

 

Love, Pastor ______