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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: War and Peace (not about the book) (07/07/11)
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.
I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
Matthew 10:34

Many of our Christian Brothers and Sisters have interpreted this declaration by Jesus to mean a literal sword - military might - for a righteous cause. I am not sure that was what Christ meant.

The concept of righteous war developed during the time of Constantine, when it became necessary for the new Holy Roman Empire to justify it’s military might. Prior to that there is no indication that during the first three hundred years of the church the disciples of Christ endorsed war in any way.

Some of us tend to assume that “War and Peace” are opposites, like evil and good, death and life; that is necessarily true either. What is true?

Christ’s use of the word “sword” speaks of something else. It is not a gun, nor a cannon, nor a bomb. It is instead, “the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that, “the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”

Just like our spiritual ancestors, the Jews, we are a militaristic, war-like people, proclaiming God’s righteousness with our guns.

Aren’t we Christians using the wrong weapons? Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5: 44)

We have missed the point I think. We will never win the war on terrorism, defeat the forces of evil, or bring peace on Earth with metal swords and guns. That response only breeds more hate and more hate breeds more wars.

Where does peace on earth begin? As the song says, “let it begin with me.”
Shouldn’t that be the resolve of every Christian?”
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This article has been read 688 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Glynis Becker
07/14/11
A great reminder of how often we forget to love our enemies and pray for them. Great job.
Hiram Claudio
07/15/11
Good use of scripture to form a solid and important point. Well constructed and ... a great reminder. Nicely done!
Kathleen Langridge
07/15/11
An interesting treatise on that particular verse.
"that is necessarily true either." I think you meant, 'not necessarily true.'
Verna Mull
07/15/11
I really enjoyed your take on the topic. Good job.
Sherry Norton
07/18/11
Very interesting, constructed very well, informative reading. Thank you,
Lillian Rhoades 
07/21/11
Congratulations on your 2nd place win! Yours is a message that invites repetition - one the Christian community needs to shout from the rooftops.
Belinda Borradaile
07/21/11
I echo the previous comments! An important message...BUT congrats on placing!! YAY!!