“Be All You Can Be”

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Does God condone war?  I am a veteran of the U.S. Army and am thinking of returning to service, but I feel a bit conflicted as to whether God would approve of me returning to service.  I am proud to have served my country, but my faith runs deeper than my pride.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Military Man

Dear Military Man,

God gives governments the authority to fight wars and has even commanded nations to fight battles in certain circumstances.  The entire Old Testament is full of examples of God directing Israel to attack other nations because of their ungodliness.  God holds the power of nations within His hands (Pr 21:1), and many of the most faithful of God’s servants have been soldiers (read “Holding Down The Fort” for further details).  There is no contradiction between serving as a soldier and being a servant of Christ.

Share