Christian Living
Six hundred years before Christ, Sun Ztu, a citizen of China, wrote a military treatise called The Art of War. It is purported to be the oldest printed document on how to wage war. That may have been the first time the science of killing was called euphemistically, The Art of War. But it caught on, and it's with us today. That may have begun the process of hiding blood and coffins behind drums and fifes, flags and patriotism. If the real purpose of war can be connected to art (no matter how oxymoronic that may be!), it is perhaps made more palatable. But war is not art. One may well admire the discipline and loyalty associated with the military, but it is the basic, underlying purpose that quarrels with "art". Art is generally esthetically pleasing; war is not. It is science: cold, calculating science of how to kill and not be killed. The hideous truth is often hidden by stories of valor and heroism, and we are distracted from the broken families, maimed bodies, flag-draped coffins, military pomp and circumstances. And we really are distracted. But the truth is that hearts have stopped beating and voices are stilled in bodies that once lived. How can any sane person find art in war?
But our society overwhelmingly buys into the fairy tale version of war and has for generations. Remember, though, that what society believes and practices does not necessarily make it true or reflect God's will in the matter. If it's false, believing it won't make it true. Loving and obeying God is a higher principal than nationalism or patriotism.
I believe that warfare with the devil over men's souls is the only acceptable battleground for those who follow the Prince of Peace: winning souls, not killing bodies.
When Jesus was born, the angels sang, "Peace on earth; good will toward men." Luke 2:14
There may never be peace on earth, dear brothers and sisters, but I believe it must be our aim nonetheless.
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace who bring glad tidings of good things." Rom. 10:15
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matt. 5:19
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Rom. 14:17
"...live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you." II Cor. 13:11c
"...And He came and preached peace to those who were afar off and those who were near." Eph. 2:17
"Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Jas. 3:18
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Our nation has been characterized as "the Great Satan" by those who would destroy it and exterminate all who will not kneel to the slavery of their Muslim despots. We have had a succession of leaders who gave some truth to that accusation.
One administration started a war in Vietnam with a completely bogus (we know that now) attack on a U.S. ship and then perpetuated that war for monetary profit by themselves and their cronies.
We had a President who, while under political attack domestically, repeatedly bombed other countries and sent troops into harms way to deflect public attention from his woes. The present occupant of the White House embroiled us in conflicts with no end in sight and in the face of the biblical warning regarding the fate of those who would meddle in the middle east. He craved a "postition in history". Mr. Bush has probably assured himself of that, though not the one he sought.
The sorry fact is that nothing endears itself to the voting public like a (quickly) successful warrior. Even worse, each of these men, and those other venomous scum who ran against them for office, all had one thing in common. They made a point of appearing in photo ops carrying a Bible. The sickening fact is that many who call themselves Christians fell for it.
We find the truth in 2 Cor. 4:4. The devil is the god of this era and has blinded those who, because of their ignorance of scriptural warnings, allow it.
We will not experience peace on this earth until the Lord returns. Meanwhile, it will get progressively worse and we may as well accept it. God gave us the picture in His word.
It isn't pretty and it isn't His opinion. Because He sees the end from the beginning, it is a fact!
The events have already occurred. We just haven't yet experienced them ...but we will!
Austin
(1) Dictionary.com
(2) Online Etymology Dictionary