Preparing for war

Should you prepare your children for war?

The short answer is yes. 

War is brutal, ugly, devastating. Yet, war continues to be a primary means of settling human disputes, public or private. The reason is obvious if you have a biblical view of man. 

All humans are born as Satan’s allies at war with God (Eph. 2:1-3). For Christians, who have been changed by the grace of God, this war then shifts as a battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Gal. 5). 

Governments are made of people. Everyone who is in a position of leadership is also someone involved in war. They are at war with themselves, they are at war with God and their fellow man.  Even countries who are committed to peace may have to resort to war as a response to those who would destroy them. In this context we must be thankful for those in our military who fight the good fight.

A survey of recent history shows that war is a common occurrence.  Since 1900, the United States has been involved in 10 major international wars. That is an average of one major war every eleven and a half years. The U.S. also has seen numerous smaller military conflicts during this time. War is not something that humans can avoid. 

But it is not just people who are at war. It is true that God is a God of peace, love and compassion. But he is also a God of justice, wrath and war. There remains the great cosmic battle of good verses evil.  The battle for good is commanded by the greatest warrior of all, Jesus Christ. His role as a warrior is described in Revelation 19:11-16:

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.  Rev. 19:11

War is a reminder that we are not to love earth too much. Earth is not our final destination. The world offers promises of peace, but these are promises that can’t be kept. Your children need to hear of the power of the gospel. Only the gospel can give assurance and hope when human wars erupt. If a time of extended peace is to come it will be because of the spread of the gospel and not the signing of peace treaties. 

Prepare your children for war by bringing the gospel to them. War is always eminent. Whether it comes because of conflicts with Russia or the Middle East or from within, do not be deceived, war will come. Teach your children that peace comes only through the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ died for sinners. He alone can cause wars to cease.

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