From the beginning of our country, decisions had to be made as how we were going to provide protection to the fellow citizens.
It meant that an army of people would have to join together to fight against opposing forces.
At times that meant entering into combat.
After our country won independence we even had to struggle and war among ourselves.
As we as a country became more united an organized military was formed.
Those who became soldiers decided to take an oath of defending our country and protecting the citizens.
These mean and woman are identified as veterans. We owe them words of application and thanks.
At the end of this month, we will recognize Memorial Day, this is the day we remember those who paid the price for our freedom.
These are ones whose names are engraved on monuments and memorials. We should always be thankful for those who served our country and who are currently serving.
The scripture found in Ephesians 6:12 speaks of another battle. It is about spiritual warfare. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.”
There is a greater war. There is an unseen force of evil and wickedness.
This is not something new it goes back to the beginning.
I believe the Bible includes the wrongness and wicked acts of people to help us realize that people need strength beyond their selves overcome this greater war.
Throughout history, man has pondered the question of suffering.
Suffering is the consequence of choices.
Some choices we make for ourselves.
Other consequences are the choices of others.
“From within come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a man.” (Mark 7:21-23)
All people are in the same situation.
We are defiled.
There is hope that is available to all people.
“In the world, you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We do not have the ability to conquer that which defiles us. “We are more than conquerors through him (God) who loved us.” Romans 8:37)
Have you noticed that there are three areas of this warfare? That which defiles a person, tribulation in the world and evil powers. “Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
If you want to begin conquering the three areas of warfare the first step is salvation.
The Bible says that Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
To receive God’s solution to this warfare is the ADMIT your need for salvation, BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, and CALL on God to save you.
Salvation will not make your problems go away but you will have resources available from God to be conquerors.
A person becomes a veteran after he has served in the military. Christians may not be described as veterans but we can be victors.