Christian Militia

There is no such thing as a “Christian” militia. I heard that term on the radio the other day, as the reporter talked about a group that was training in fighting and planning to kill police officers. That is the very antithesis of Christianity. That is the sort of conqueror that the Jews wanted Jesus to be. Instead, Jesus let the Jews kill Him. They were aided by the very Romans that they had hoped He would take out of power.

In John 18:36, we find Jesus before Pilate. It says, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” Notice what He said there. Because His kingdom is not of this world, His servants were not fighting to help Him establish an earthly kingdom.

Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). He does not allow us to harbor grudges against others or to fight those with whom we don’t agree.

But there is something else here, even for those who would never use a gun against their country. Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Therefore, we have no right to fight the government for our rights and liberties. People talk about our liberties being taken away. That is not our responsibility. The Bible says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) My observation is that when the world does not persecute the Church, those within the Church begin to persecute one another. It is so wonderful to live in a country where I can freely talk about Jesus, read about Jesus, hear about Jesus, and win souls for Him without fearing that the government will throw me in jail. But God has not given me the responsibility to fight for that freedom.

Instead, God has given me a powerful tool: prayer. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

We will never convince the world that God is real and that they should follow Him as long as we are entangled in the affairs of this life. It is so easy to get entangled—as I did—in matters such as “health” care reform (the medical establishment does not help people be truly healthy), and forget that we are not of this world and do not need to get entangled in its affairs. Think how much happier we would be if we would let the cares of the world governments roll off our backs and just focus on the things that God calls us to! Forget Sarah Palin. Forget the mid-term elections. Forget the politicians down in Washington who will never bring the true change that this world needs. Only God can bring real change. We can’t win against the terrorists by fighting them with guns and missiles. We may prevent them from attacking us, but you can’t fight an ideology with a gun. It must be fought with the Sword of the Lord. What better way to stop violence than by bringing them to the Prince of Peace?

God is calling us live for Him. Get your eyes off the affairs of the world and turn your eyes upon Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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