The upcoming subject matter is often questioned and hard for me to discuss because I am sure some of you will not have similar views. Some Christians don’t even believe the concepts I will present pertain to or apply to someone who is saved. Yet, Truth is challenging and, at times, forces us to broach the least enjoyable subjects. I believe this is probably why Christ is either loved or hated by those who hear His message. However, these concepts affect our Kingdom position in the same way as our relationship with each member of the Trinity and, therefore, I do not dare overlook them as I share with you, my family.

First, let us consider war and its impact on your attitude. The Bible very clearly states that we are to prefer a state of peace and become people of peace. (1Thessalonians 4:11) That is and always was my ambition, even while I served in our nation’s military. However, the Bible also states that conflict will always exist, especially during our lifetime. It is my belief, based on Scripture, that we are living in the end times. (Matthew 24:32–34) Therefore, “wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Luke 12:11, Luke: 12:22, and Luke 12:29) will always exist. Still, we are commanded not to fear.

I am not a war monger but I do consider myself a realist. Many people today have served in the military or had a family member who has. Also, many of our families have been directly impacted by war. It may have occurred more during your parents’ or grandparents’ generation, but most likely those family stories are still alive. Just consider the past one hundred years. The longest gap between wars which significantly impacted our nation was twenty-four years – the time between World War I and World War II. Six years separated WWII from the Korean War, and fifteen years passed between the Korean War and Viet Nam. There were nineteen years between the end of Viet Nam and the start of the first Gulf War, and nine years between the Gulf War and the War on Terror in Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq. Today, days are virtually non-existent when ISIS or some other terrorist organization is not involved in some sort of armed conflict with the US, Russia, or some national power. Clearly, war has impacted virtually every American generation.

War carries with it profound consequences on a nation and its people—especially on those who must enter the conflict. War is terrifying, even for the best soldier. As a Marine, I was taught to channel my fear and the accompanying adrenaline boost into courage, using it to raise my performance in combat. So, you, as a spiritual warrior, must address the issues of war in a realistic manner, as we are told very openly in Scripture that we are involved in a war (Ephesians 6:12).  Some type of conflict has been and will always be a part of your life. The best thing you can do is understand it — but not fear it.

War is an underlying theme throughout the Bible. This topic begins in the third chapter of Genesis with psychological war (3:2 – 7.) Then the topic transitions to physical war in Chapter Four (4:8.) Next, mankind comes dangerously close to annihilation in Genesis Chapter Six, verses 4 – 7.  The model does not change until the next to last chapter of Revelation, when Satan is cast into the pit. War is described in detail and discussed from hundreds of different paradigms throughout almost every book of the Bible. Brutal conflict and the mentality demanded by its engagement is obviously supposed to have an impact on a believer’s way of thinking.

So, why is war a constant theme of the Bible? The answer is — reality. We live our life on an earth full of fear, doubt, and hatred towards those with different ideals and goals. The reality is that mankind is now and will always remain in a constant state of conflict. Even during times of peace, we use phrases like “friendly competition” and “debate” to hide our evil desires. The reality is that most of mankind wants what someone else has or they are eager to avoid a competition that might threaten what they see as rightfully theirs.

Tomorrow we will look deeper into this subject. In the meantime, think about this: There are 33 verses in the bible that tell us not to fear or have anxiety. Wonder why?

Love Dad