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Although I agree with you in part, I can believe that some would come to think that evil should not be opposed in any way but passively. On a personal level, this may be true, but if you look at the charges that are given to rulers throughout the bible, you will realize that they do also have a corporeal responsibility as well as a spiritual one. Being in the military, I am often castigated by even fellow christians who even go so far as to call me corrupt for even being in the military. The military, as the police and others in similar service are indeed that sword of the ruler mentioned in God's word.
Romans 13:1-4 (NIV)
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
The sword is neither moral nor immoral. Rather the one who weilds it makes its use moral or immoral. This agent of wrath is not told to passively oppose evil. Rather, a warning is given to evildoers that the consequences of their evil, even though he may still love them, is ordained by God.
Some feel, (as many Muslim countries practice) punishment such as cuttting off the hands of a thief is appropriate. I am not so barbaric. But I do sincerely believe that God's will is for evil to be opposed and thwarted. And I do believe that in the larger arena, it can mean that actually warring with evil with the physical means that we have, is not just permissible, but required. We are trained to fight with the minimal use of force and to weigh the consecquences of collateral damages verus objectives. Can the Mujahedeen say such? No! Think then to the charges to the leaders from God. Who do you think obeys and who do you think opposes?
Think not that because of grace there are never consequences for your actions. Grace is from God, and is more to do with our relationship with him than anything else. Certainly, we can be gracious to our fellow men, but I am less likely to be gracious to a person who is still being rebellious than to one who has repented and wishes to change their ways.
Matthew 8:8-10 (NIV)
8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
Read the full context, and you will not find Jesus telling that soldier to lay down his arms or to leave his profession. Check out other examples in the Bible if you think this is issolated. It is not!
I am all for peace, but not for peace at any cost. Because men are evil, there will never be lasting peace. Understand that one evil person, if unopposed, can do great evil.
To say that all war is justified is not correct either, and I am not saying that. Understand what you are doing and why. I sincerely think that those who wage war primarily on innocents are worthy of the attention of the sword themselves. I see no righteousness in the 'ends justifying the means' that is the core of their whole arguement for doing such evil things.
Peace on a personal level, in as much as it can be attained, is not only good, it is commanded. That does not translate into a reason to tie the hand that weilds God's sword.
Truly,
Mel
2006-02-20 18:56:11 Posted by Mel ()
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Mel,
I agree 100%, and usually I am accused of the exact opposite (of being a tad aggressive). My poitn was that what is most needful is for us to be evangelists first.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and useful comments!
Bill
2006-02-20 20:56:00 Posted by Bill (upadaria@yahoo.com)
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If I chance to read it (sometimes I miss some realy good stuff here), you can usually expect a comment if it makes me think. Thanks for your making this community just a little bit bigger...
In Christ,
Mel
2006-02-21 14:40:56 Posted by Mel ()
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Mountain Cabin by the Stream
http://contes-et-nouvelles.over-blog.com
2007-12-20 22:15:50 Posted by Katherine Mckenzie (cbwxbhnj@wcpnckcf.biz)
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