PODCAST
Wholehearted Obedience
November 27th, 2010
Haggai 1:12-2:9
Halfhearted responses are never acceptable. No matter the area of endeavor or concern–sports, business, military, academics, relationships–lukewarmness kills enthusiasm and minimizes results. We have many phrases that we use to call for a committed response: “Are you with me?” “Are you coming?” “Are you in?”
Cliff brought an enthusiastic missions team to Bolivia. They were “strong in the Lord.” Not only the first day they were there, but every day they were on the job bright and early with enthusiasm and joy. They loved what they were doing. During the two weeks their team was there, they put up an entire building and started on another.
The Lord didn’t say “be muscular” or “run a four-minute mile” or “climb Mount Everest” or “be something you’re not.” He simply said “be strong.” Why? “Because I am with you” (Hag. 2:4, author’s translation).
November 27th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Obedience? I have been doing some reading lately and have had thoughts since 9/11 of my role in the military and our (USA) reaction to 9/11. My very first thought (remember I am a vet of 90-91 gulf War) was we should not attack them or retaliate. I of course did not voice this at the time as I would have been thought to have been unpatriotic. Since 9-11 my walk with God has went through many changes and refinement. I am the leader of the men’s ministry at my church (Nazarene) and I believe I am ready to deal with this inner conflict of being a peacemaker and/or an American Christian. I see a big problem with saying we are obedient to God and his word and them we send our military into another country to fight. We want to be called a Christian nation but at the same time we (our leaders) act a way that is in conflict with His word.
So what to do? I love my country, I am a war veteran (w/ PTSD) and I love God and want to serve Him 100% without conflict in my heart.
Where is the balance? Is there a balance? Am I prepared for the answer?
Are we as a church prepared to be truly obedient to God and His word?
Sincerely, Matt
November 29th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Matt,
Excellent post! I have often struggled with the same tension. I have never served in the military so I don’t have the same points of view that you do, but I am still asking the same questions. While I can’t provide any answers, I can say this: at the very least, it is clear that you are seeking the will of God in the world not just accepting policy blindly.
June 15th, 2016 at 11:14 am
The Lord has said that ” Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed ……. to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion. Book of Mormon Alma 43:47