Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations are from The New King James Version.
Key Verse:
“He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:10).
Are you thinking about entering Military Service? Or do you know someone who is? For a decision in your life as important as this, we should seek God's counsel.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
God had commanded us not to kill our fellow man.
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
In today's world, war seems inevitable, as more and more countries seek to flex their military muscle, which in most cases would be the expense of starvation of their people. But if we all stop and think a bit, we would see that the result of warfare is taking the lives of other human beings. The teaching's of Jesus shed light on this subject.
“But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
“He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:10).
In some countries, the citizens are bound by law to sign up for military service. However, they have choices to serve in non-combat areas of the military, or even give voluntary service representing their country in another country.
While there is so much talk about right to life, there is the development of new and sophisticated weapons with the sole intent to kill or murder. Children of God are forbidden to take another person's life Exodus 20:13. Instead, we are to focus on the spiritual battle God asks us to fight.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
Avenging oneself isn't what God wants of his children.
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21).
It is our understanding and belief therefore that we should not participate in the act of war where we might have to kill another individual. We are to focus on the battle of saving lives for Jesus. The Armour we are expected to put on for this battle is found in Ephesians 6:11-18.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:11-18).
This Armour helps to save lives rather than take lives. If the soldiers of his world would be preachers of Truth everywhere, there would not be such a thing as warfare. Think on these things and may God guide the making of the right choice.
The Church of God - Publishing House - Salem, West Virginia
