 |
Military Service |
Dear Brethren,
Should a Christian join the military and fight
for his country? Since the Scriptures say that we should be subject to the government,
do we have a duty to serve if drafted (Romans 13:1)? Should
we help to defend our country against foreign enemies? King
David and ancient Israel fought many battles - are they our
example that we should be willing to go to war? Should a
Christian be a conscientious objector? What if no one was
willing to join the armed forces - what would happen in a time
of war? These are difficult questions, and we need to be ready
to give an answer of the hope that lies within us (1Peter 3:15).
Our minds tell us that we must rely on our strength and our
overwhelming power to vanquish our enemies and deter our foes.
But, God says that it does not work that way. God says that no
king, president or nation is saved by a powerful military. "There
is no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man
is not delivered by much strength."
(Psalm 33:16 )
It is God, who in His spiritual law, forbids man from purposely
taking any human life, directly or indirectly. "You
shall not kill, you shall commit no murder."
(Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17) The bearing of military arms
is contrary to this fundamental commandment and doctrine of our
belief. Christians, therefore, conscientiously refuse to bear
arms. The taking of any human life, in any way, is an
extremely serious affront to God. Christians do not take part
in killing; not in wars of aggression or defense, and not in
abortions, or euthanasia.
"Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer has eternal life abiding in him." (1John 3:15)
Our faith is that God is our ever-present defender - and that He
will fight our battles for us. "Fear you not, stand still,
and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you to
day: ...The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold
your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14) God is telling us
to stand down, and let Him be our help and shield (Psalm
144:2). We either believe God by taking Him at His word, or we
fight our own battles without God's help - it is up to us. It
simply boils down to a matter of faith - faith, that God will do
what He says. Do we totally believe that if we put our trust in
God - he will deliver us, save us, and protect us?
>If drafted into the military, or compelled by the government to
enlist, we refuse to serve in any capacity that would violate
the spirit of the sixth commandment against murder. The
government refers to this as conscientious objection.
Conscientious objectors are against all forms of war and
military action. Conscientious objection to war requires the
faith that God's Will is being done when we refuse to engage the
enemy. We must be totally convinced that it is wrong to support
war or take part in it. Our Christian duty to God is of a
higher nature than our duty arising from man's government.
Christian conscientious objectors are often ridiculed as
cowards, but God applauds the heroism required in obedience to
Him.
Because it is God who sets up leaders and rulers, not only do we
not fight wars, we also
do not participate in voting in political elections, or take
part in jury duty. "God removes kings, and sets up kings."
(Daniel 2:20-21) Speaking of leaders and rulers, Paul said,
here is no power but of God: the
powers that be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)
Some
people will draw the conclusion that we are not patriotic, do not
love our country, and do not support our government, and are not
good citizens. Quite the contrary! We are definitely subject to our
government and its laws (Romans 13). We pay our taxes. We pray for
leaders of the government, and honor our leaders. Paul put it
well: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” (1Timothy
2:1-3)
We
must remember that our primary citizenship is in heaven. "Jesus
answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of
this world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from
hence." (John 18:36) "For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal,
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."
(2Corinthians 10:3-4)
"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide
things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as
lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge
not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of
evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21)
***
| Sermon: |
"Military Service" |
 |
 |
|
