Christian Soldiers

Just a quick reply to clear up a misunderstanding. I absolutely, in no way, believe that Christian soldiers are being dishonorable or sinning by being soldiers. I believe that when Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, he meant it literally and for everyone, not just when we are being persecuted as Christians because we are supposed to be Christians all the time, not separate our identity in that way.

But I think that Christ set the bar high deliberately, so that there is something to reach for, just as He told the rich man that if he would be perfect, to sell everything. I think that while it is not sinning, to be a soldier, that we are meant to put our bar higher and the higher bar is to always turn the other cheek.

David was not allowed to build the Temple because God said he had shed too much blood. Instead it was left to Solomon to build it. I think there is a stain that shedding blood brings, even though God loved David and said so repeatedly and in no way indicated that David was doing less than his will. But something must have been missing, otherwise God would not have forbidden David to build the Temple with the cause being the shedding of blood. I think that like divorce, God allowed it because of the hardness of our hearts.

Or how do you see the David-Temple story?

Anyway, don't know if I will have time today or tomorrow to write some more, but I did want to clear that up. It would be terrible if people thought that a soldier is somehow dishonorable or not Christian because he serves in a war. I think that pacifism is something you grow towards in the pursuit of becoming more like Christ. I think that is what all Christians should strive for. But I also believe that anyone who asks for wisdom regarding this, will be led by the Spirit.

Layla