In the previous weeks leading up to today, I talked a lot about war and oppression. It is a common theme in the Bible and whether we like to admit it or not, common to life itself. We like to imagine ourselves as a peace loving society. We like to demonstrate against war and always seem to have many who give verbal credence to their commitment against war and oppression. Yet it can be the same people who feel it is their duty to protest the election of a new president whom they do not agree with, regardless of how peaceful or violent the demonstration ends up being. Or, another group who disagrees with the arrest of a neighbor who broke the law then resisted arrest necessitating force.
The soldier/warrior has come to understand that often peace and harmony can only occur after conflict. Mankind is stubborn, greedy and selfish invariably wanting things his/her own way. Often they will go to any length to get things their way, including forcing a society to believe that everyone is the same. The reality is that we are not the same – each of us is a unique creation of the Father. I have never met one person who was exactly like another, having the same characteristics, name, behaviors, capacities and desires. Uniqueness is purposeful and is there for a reason – even though we are loved by God without bias. To try to force a society to view others as the same is to argue with the creator.
Our constitution states that all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, what does that mean? I think if we look at the intent, it would be that people are treated equally and fairly. In other words, everyone is governed equally within the laws of the land. To do so there must be guidelines and laws that establish “equality” of treatment – it cannot mean that everyone is the same, as you and I know that is impossible. People are constantly trying to emphasize their uniqueness and differences – the rage of tattoos is a perfect example.
The challenge is that many people do not want to abide by rules and guidelines as they are biased by their selfishness, greed, etc. Therefore, we must “police” what we decide to legislate as our morals, guidelines, etc., that are set up to provide equality in treatment. That requires police forces, armies or other institutionally based groups who are only as good as their leadership. As long as men and their biases form the basis of those laws, there will be inequality. That is why God got so mad at the Israelites when they chose to have a king, rather than have Him decide the direction of their society. So the same issues that have occurred throughout history occurs today. Without God governing us inequality will exist, war and oppression will occur and people will rebel against whomever they think is doing something wrong or inequitable.
That is why we need armies. If God puts leaders in positions of authority, then those leaders must be supported. Often soldiers may not always agree, but they follow their commander’s orders. This teaches them the respect of authority, a concept God wanted ingrained into society, and exactly why they were required to serve. That principle allows a society to live in a state of equality and under established laws and principles. Those without military training may not learn this principal and thereby rebel, creating inequality. We should honor and respect those who serve because they are the ones providing us with the opportunity for equality like no one else. Yes, there are good and bad in every sector, but these people pay with their lives so we can be considered equal. I am proud to be and honor our veterans for how they commit their lives to our freedoms.
Love Dad