As I hear story after story on the reactions to Osama Bin Laden’s death it seems apparent that we are now loosing focus on being a Christian society. As I will stand and applaud the work of the CIA and the Navy Seals that collected information, formulated strategy and initiated a plan that ultimately allowed them to be in a position to capture a threat to our country. Osama Bin Laden made the choice not to surrender and was ultimately killed, that is war, it happens when our military engages, that is the same results from our police.The killing of any individual person is not to be cheered and celebrated, Weare called in Matthew to love our enemy.
Matthew 4:44-44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you andpersecute you
A nation at war is much different than an individual’s responsibility. There are tens of thousands of Christian men and woman serving our country, keeping us safe. They will and must do what is required of their position in protecting a nation at home or abroad, and lethal force is sometimes necessary. But a self labeled, “Christian” nation should not be cheering. It shows no differently to the world than when Al Qaeda or Taliban (Muslim) fighters celebrate the killing of our soldiers while parading them in the streets. To be a Christian society, WE MUST rise above the basic instincts of man; we have to lead from the front on Grace, Love, and Mercy. That is not to say we don’t continue to fight, but we let the world know that killing is a last resort, not our intended outcome.
That evil exist and we must protect ourselves and those that are unable to protect themselves. Our culture seems to have gotten to a point where we take more joy in other peoples failure and loss than we do in success. We have stopped celebrating missionaries success in reaching the lost, people surrendering their lives to Christ, and the freedom and opportunity to worship and share Christ freely to all. Our actions speak as loudly as our words, and they must both be consistent. Cheering the death of any unsaved soul is not victorious,just another succumbing to everlasting torment. Continue to pray for your enemies, bless those that curse you, and do good to those that hate you. It is our reasonable service to our King.
Celebrating in HIM,
Eric
