A few weeks ago instructions were given by various government agencies that we should be wearing masks when we venture out into the public. Unfortunately for me, the opportunity to purchase any masks was long-gone due to the demand for them. If I were to wear a mask in accordance to government instructions, and keep myself and others safe, I had to figure out how to procure one. Being a little crafty, I pulled out the old and unused sewing machine to start making myself, and possibly others, masks. One of the first things I did was look for instructions and video on the internet of how to make a mask, of which there was a tremendous amount. After spending a large amount of time just figuring out how to thread the machine I began making a mask. The videos I watched made it look so simple. Beautiful masks with neat cleats and elastic ear holders. Even little pockets to drop filters into for extra protection. In each video the person would say “its easy” as they produced flawless masks. This was not my experience. After about four hours of work I had something that looked more like a sling that young David would have used to slay Goliath. You know, a piece of cloth with strings attached to the corners. It was a very frustrating experience and was grateful for the mask that Karen Daily gave to me. Not wanting to be so easily defeated though I hunted down another set of instructions for making a mask. The new ones I found were very plain, straight forward and sensible. Within 20 to 30 Minutes I had another mask sewed that functioned equally as good as any other homemade version.
This experience illustrated something that I think preachers like me (and can be applied to all Christians) need to hear. The fancy-masks videos were all made by sewers who were more concerned in showing off how well they can sew then to actually equip people with what they need in order to be safe. Millions of people are in need of masks right now and instead of providing very simple and easily to follow instructions, people took the opportunity to promote themselves and show people what they know and what they can do. In the context of the pandemic, these types of sewers were almost useless. Could this description be applied to some preachers? Unfortunately there are many Christians (and preachers) who are more concerned about showing people what they know and what they can do rather then a straight forward faithfulness to the Bible and the life saving message of the Gospel. I am grateful for both the gift of a mask from a friend as well as a very wise person who showed people how to make a simple mask. This description fits who we should be right now. People saved by God able to give to others the life saving message of Jesus Christ in such a way that it is a gift easily received. Don’t complicate the Gospel, people are dying and need to hear it. “Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Galatians 1:4).”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Trent Eastman (4/18/2020)
Concerning the Word of Life 