Several
years ago a group of scholars studied the history of war and peace.
What they came up with was quite shocking. “Since 3600 B.C., the world
has known only 292 years of peace! During this period there have been
14,351 wars large and small, in which 3.64 billion people have been
killed.” That would be about one half of the current world’s population.
With war comes obvious destruction. The researchers also pointed out
that the “value of the property destroyed is equal to a golden belt
around the world 97.2 miles wide and 33 feet thick. Since 650 B.C.,
there have also been 1,656 arms races, only 16 of which have not ended
in war. The remainder ended in the economic collapse of the countries
involved.” Obviously war brings about destruction, loss of life, and
loss of property. Though sometimes necessary the cost of war to society
is truly immeasurable.
Since we Christians understand that men and women are fallen in their
nature and any thoughts of a Utopian peace is only wishful thinking, war
will be something we will have to endure until Jesus comes back. Yet,
there is another war that we will be personally involved in, and that is
a spiritual war. The Apostle Paul made this point clear when he said,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms". (Eph.
6:12). There will be spiritual battles that we will fight on behalf of
friends, family and church. We will also need to battle against the
attacks of the enemy that he wages against us personally. The enemy
intends harm and attempts to cause destruction in our lives.
Fortunately, God has given the weapons of his Word and prayer to wage
war against the enemy. We do not have to live in despair. We can have
peace and joy in Christ. Be sure to stand against the enemy with the
weapons God has given us!
Today in the Word, June 19, 1992.
