Around 1930 some doctors had seatbelts installed in their cars and advised manufacturers to do the same because they could help save lives. Resistance was met, arguments for and against were given with real examples and hypothetical situations considered. In 1949 Nash autos had seat belts installed offering safety for whoever would take it; trying to save a life. As it was determined over the years of the lives that are saved by seat belt use, the world’s first mandatory seat belt law was in Victoria, Australia in 1970. In the 1980’s such action was met with resistance in the United States and some people went to court over cutting their seat belts out (Wikipedia, History of Seat Belts; also, http://itstillruns.com/history-seat-belts-5110697.html). It was the government just trying to save some lives. Are seatbelts perfect in every situation? No. Overall, do they save lives. Yes.
Consider liability insurance? Is it something that was developed that offers some protection for the car owner in case of an accident? What about stop signs, speed laws, and traffic lights? Were they developed as a government conspiracy to take your rights away as a citizen and steal your freedom to blaze through intersections and go 100 mph anytime you feel like it? Granted, none of this stuff was found on the Lewis and Clarke expedition, but as society developed, these things had to be developed for the good and safety of all. They worked so well they were put in place permanently.
The mask – for crying out loud, we are talking about a little temporary measure for the good of all! Ok. Do this experiment. Get 10 inches from a friends face and sneeze with no mask on and watch their reaction and what they feel on their face. Now, do the same things with a mask on. See if they notice a difference. Paul said rather than cause a brother (or sister) to “stumble”, to have ill happen to them, he would eat no foods offered to idols as long as the world stands. In his faith he had freedom to eat those foods, but not all people have that faith, and they think a follower of Jesus should not eat those foods. But the inspired apostle was choosing to do that which was for the good of all. Forbid Paul to worship God and compromise his walk with Jesus – that was a different story. But just remember, every time you buckle up, stop at a stop sign or stop light, and keep yourself within the speed limit, you are submitting to a government who is looking out for the good of all and save a life. It is some common sense for the good of all. Can we grow up and apply this to a temporary measure in our society to get over this thing and move forward together? Perhaps voluntary compliance can prevent it from becoming a law.