Active Piety instead of War
The Apostle Paul suffered terrible and humiliating, oral and physical violence. While preaching at Lystra, he was stoned to the point that his Jewish enemies thought he was dead. The following day he left to Derbe, and after preaching and teaching many in that city he returned to Lystra. He made a very important point there to the disciples, "we must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations" (Acts 14:22).
Martial arts or physical might is not a Christian resolve for conflict. But rather, we should be empowered in the Lord, and in the might of his strength, putting on the panoply of God, that we are able to stand against the artifices of the devil: because the wrestling against flesh and blood is not to us, but against principalities, authorities, world-rulers of the darkness of this age, and the spiritual things of wickedness in heavenly places. On account of this, let us take up the whole armour of God, in order we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things, to stand. Let us stand therefore, having our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; and let us receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Eph. 6:10-18).
May peace, mercy and love be multiplied,
Br. Ken
P.S.
I realize we believers in Christ have many social problems of our own which have been preventing us from a greater degree of dignity and many of the Lord's blessings. I believe non-violent and harmless-as-a-dove Christian principles must be applied to our own social and economic doctrine. Politics will not solve our problems. Voting will not solve our problems. Christ must be our sufficiency. If the world will not accept this, which of course they will not except for those who repent, then it is necessary that we understand we must work together as a harmless group called out from the world, no physical violence among ourselves nor to anyone else. Let's not let national cultural pride interfere with God's transformation process through the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2). Let us be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another (Rom.12:10). Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17). Avenge not yourselves (Rom.12:19). This separation from worldly policy will give us more dependence upon God and encourage us to work together, looking upon the needs of others rather than ourselves. Caring (love) for others seeks not its own--this does no evil to anyone (I Cor. 13:5). When there was a strife among the disciples concerning which of them should be accounted the greatest, Jesus said, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority over them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve" (Lk. 22:25, 26).
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Catholic and Protestant Political Unity--Hope for the Races