In WWII, we Americans and our allies were the only ones standing between the axis powers and their quest for world domination. Americans realize that in order to accomplish our and other countries’ “peaceful” goals, we usually have to resort to a more “pieceful” modus operandi (i.e.explosives). “Pieces to peace,” or “Peace from the pieces” kind of sums it up. At least that’s my thinking (and probably most Americans too) for rationalizing the use of the weapons of war.

The same holds true today in fighting the radical terrorists. We say we bomb them because they first bombed us. Why does everything seem to come down to an eye for an eye solution, and whoever has the most eyes (WMDs?) wins. The Old testament features Jehovah helping the Hebrews (by killing their enemies) to posses their promised lands. This also sounds (on the surface only) like an eye for an eye mentality. (But God’s reasoning for doing so has much validity).

But Jesus ushers in a new covenant. One that calls for loving even your enemies. Christians seem to be between a rock and a hard place. As Christians, we’re under obligation to our respective nations to adhere to their laws (conscription included). It’s no doubt extremely difficult to reconcile being ordered by man to kill the very enemy that Jesus commanded to love as yourself– especially the ones that persist in trying to do you in first. It’s all madness!

The only permanent solution to mankind’s woes is Jesus Christ. Yeah, we’ll loose some battles along with the “Way,” but the end result (our victory over death) was never in doubt. All the more reason to keep your house (mind and body) in good Christian working order always anticipating the unknown time of our Savior’s return. Amen?