Which Weak This Week?

       The Bible tells us to both submit to the governing authorities and not to offend weaker Christians. It also tells us to "as far as it is possible, live at peace with all men." Even Paul, who caused controversy almost everywhere he went (Come for the message, stay for the riot), made it his goal to do whatever it took to reach the lost. How to sort this out over the mask issue is problematic. Some unbelievers, and even Christians, believe wearing a mask is a life or death issue. You can tell who they are because they wear masks and gloves while riding alone in their own cars, or while walking (even exercising!) in abundant social distance, outside. Apparently they think masks will protect them from exposure to their own germs. At the other end of the spectrum are those who feel wearing a mask is collaborating with a conspiracy and, for some Christians, only a step away from taking the mark of the beast.
    Therefore, not wearing a mask might mar my testimony for Christ as uncaring to those who are fearful. And it might offend weak Christians who do not yet understand God's sovereignty over our lifespans. However, wearing a mask might weaken my testimony with unbelievers who think that signifies mindless compliance. And it might offend believers who think it endorses a deep state agenda. Which weak do I choose not to offend from week to week?
     My personal decision is to give the most grace to those who know the least about it--the unsaved. If wearing a mask gives me an opportunity to witness to someone who sees Covid as a life and death struggle, I want to use that prepared soil to plant a seed for the one who brings life from death. Unbelievers who read the message on my mask "Happy now?" can tell I am not a mindless sheep, despite submitting, and that gives me opportunities to witness also.
    So I choose to err on the side of the erring. Besides, if my mask wearing offends a fellow believer, we will have eternity to sort that out.