|
|
|
The Uncertainty Of War
"Most Americans say they support going after Saddam, but not without an interesting set of conditions." We like to think we fight out of necessity, not by choice. Yet, as we face the likelihood of a war in a foreign land, it is with an unease that will not go away. There seems to be a large degree of uncertainty about the impending war with Iraq. You can hear it every time you turn on the news, listen to the radio, visit the supermarket, or go shopping at the mall. The owner of a restaurant in Michigan who voted for Bush, states, "I am concerned that a prolonged engagement in Iraq could be a mortal blow to our already ailing economy." A World War II veteran worries that with all the troops being deployed overseas, we are depleting our homeland security. These are among the many individuals who have flooded America’s streets in protest, and those who speak out vehemently on talk shows. The events of 9/11 have Americans divided about their feelings of war. According to a recent Time/CNN poll, "The country is unsettled at the thought of waging a war it has never fought before, one launched against a country that has yet to attack the U.S. Such a war requires Americans to think a new way and poses a question millions of Americans find themselves asking: Is it more dangerous or immoral to start a war or let things remain as they are? Do we allow countless more lives to be lost? Should America’s children lose more mothers and fathers? Will the war make us safer? On another front, many Americans are worried that the president has taken his eye off the real target: the perpetrators of 9/11. By a vote of 2 to 1, many see Osama bin Laden as a greater threat than Sadam. Murphy, a war veteran, states, "We need to get that bunch that bombed the World Trade Center first." Some argue, "Is this America’s war, or does Bush have a personal agenda?" Bush’s argument for focusing on Sadam is tied to people’s sense of security. In his State of the Union address, he states, "The dictator who is assembling the world’s most dangerous weapons has already used them on whole villages, leaving thousands of his own citizens dead, blind or disfigured. He torture children while their parents are made to watch. He argues if Sadam can do terrible things to his own citizens, then he is capable of anything." In interviews all over America, it was discovered that an individual’s faith in this president is what overcomes their uncertainty about his policy regarding Iraq. According to one pollster, "People may not always agree with him, but they totally trust him." Now, the phrase, "They totally trust him" causes me some concern. While it is acceptable to support others in their ideals, it is, " In God" whom all Americans should totally trust. HE, alone, is the ultimate source this president must turn to for support. Public Service ads nationwide warn citizens to prepare for the coming war. Americans are buying bottled water and duct tape in preparation for a possible nuclear holocaust. As thousands upon thousands of dollars are being spent, I wonder how many are preparing for life beyond this one. How many individuals are seeking God for an answer to this difficult dilemma we find ourselves in? An interesting thought came to mind as I continued reading. I read that one individual spent thousands of dollars of their own monies to have an ad placed warning of the coming war. It was then that I thought to myself, "How many individuals will spend this kind of money to warn everyone of the second coming of our Lord and Savior?" This war may be uncertain, but his " second coming " certainly is not. I assure you Christ is coming again to rapture His church. Whether we are ready for the upcoming war may or may not be catastrophic, but if we miss out on the second coming, it will not only affect us in this world, but also in the world to come. The five virgins were clean, but missed the bridegroom because they were not ready. It is not enough to know about God, or to have listened to some preacher tell you about how wonderful He is and that He loves you; you must have a personal relationship with the God of creation. There must be more than the mere offering of some sacrifice; a covenant relationship with the Father is essential. People, understand this, the time to get ready is not when tragedy strikes, but getting ready involves daily preparation. It involves the " stripping off " of self, and the "putting on" of Christ. From experience, I can assure you this is no easy task. Our SELF rises up each time we do. That’s why apostle Paul warned us to mortify (kill, destroy, get rid of, strip off) our members daily. While Jesus was here, he spent the majority of his time telling people that the Messiah had come to deliver them. His ministry was not met without opposition, and neither will yours. What we cannot afford to do is give up, or give in. Having done all we know to stand, we MUST stand therefore, girding ourselves with Truth. The Bible is the ultimate truth. In it, you will not only discover that Psalms 91 is the believers’ prayer of protection, but the truths that are contained therein will preserve you now and forevermore. Peace, which can only be found in knowing HIM, is my prayer for all of humanity. By Travestine J. Wright
|