In Love & War

Jihad is a literal concept in Islam, but spiritual warfare is simply a metaphor for followers of Jesus Christ. Do we truly understand that? I suspect we do and yet we don't.

In these treacherous times, it has become apparent that there are occasions when it is valid, even prescribed, for a devotee of Mohammed to slay his enemy. I've read the Koran a couple of times, so I know that holy war is what befalls some infidels. By contrast, the Bible uses images like sword of the spirit or shield of righteousness, and encourages disciples to armor themselves with these spiritual tools, but everybody knows the fellow who wrote that, Paul, never carried either. He actually wrote on another occasion that the weapons of warfare are not carnal, but they are powerful. (2 Cor 10:4)

I think it's fair to say that followers of Christ are not permitted to have enemies. Granted, the Lord mentions our enemies on a couple of occasions, but his command to is love them; to bless those who attempt to persecute us. In other words, when human beings attempt to create enmity with us, we short-circuit their efforts with godly love. We love them and seek to bless them.

So when we speak of the culture war, we have to remember that there's only one enemy: Satan. Everyone else on the cultural battle field is simply a prisoner of war we hope to rescue.

When we refer to the battle for souls, we have to remember that the foe is Satan. The human beings who have been seduced and enslaved by the forces of darkness are not our enemies. They are neighbors we want to love and rescue.

And when we talk about the Defense of Marriage, it's important to remember that the conflict is spiritual, not political. Satan knows what's at stake. The gay men and women involved in that struggle are working in opposition to us, but only because they are slaves to sin.

Of course, there are some who suggest that some of the doctines we uphold risk making the church irrelevant. Secular people don't accept the idea of original sin. Young people overwhelmingly approve of homosexuals and even civil unions. Having cherished ideas like these challenged and even dismissed can create anxiety, embarassment and even resentment. But facing our fears, overcoming our shame, and putting away our resentment are part of the spiritual warfare Paul had in mind.

The people who oppose us, condemn us and attempt to dismiss us are not our enemies. They are our mission. Once we realize that they are enslaved by the forces of evil, we are reminded again that we must overcome evil with love. This is, after all, what is engraved in the Sword of the Spirit.

Selah.