Christian Living

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All my long, long life I have never understood why human history is replete with wars. I know each has its own explanation/justification, but why is warfare a given throughout time? I have duly (but not quite sincerely) supported the concept for many years without understanding. But at long last I think a shaft of light has broken through. Any confrontation between human beings, no matter how small, that has as its aim injury or death to the opposition is a microcosm of war. Playground disputes, family conflicts, bar fights, violent political/religious disagreements, ad infinitum, differ from war only in size. Usually a limited number of people--and no nations--but the very same human personality traits trigger both scenarios. And when nations go to war, many of the combatants don't completely understand the reasons either, but their commanders do. And it filters down through the ranks and the years and becomes bland and acceptable to pull the trigger and kill the enemy, call it patriotism or any other euphemism you like. The military becomes its own reason to be.

Since Adam and Eve misbehaved, humanity has continued to violate the two Great Commandments: to love God and one another. Obeying these two commandments does not engender strife. NOT obeying them does. Man was given free will to choose his course in life. When two people (or two million) choose not to obey them, the fight begins and never ceases for very long at a time.

To obey is much better, but it is voluntary: Love God more than money or self or anything else under the sun. He is the great I AM. Put nothing and nobody before Him. Read His Book and obey His commands. Treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated. Be kind and generous, especially to those whom society regards as lowly. Turn the other cheek. Don't be jealous or envious. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Forget about self; God will take care of you. It is the prevention of, and the cure for, fights, large or small.

Christ said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the the children of God." Matthew 5:9. The Sermon on the Mount is an amplification of the First Commandment and instruction in the earthly application of the Second Commandment. It bears frequent reading lest we forget what is really important.

Wars will continue, and ugly confrontations will be with us until Jesus comes, and though it makes me sad, at least I think I now understand it a little better. And, thank God, when the dust finally settles, there will be peace.

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