Does God Call People to be Soldiers? - The Warrior's Journey®
Devotionals

Does God Call People to be Soldiers?

Author: Chaplain, COL Scott McChrystal, USA (Ret.)

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“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, … and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” (Hebrews 11:32-34) 

Does God call people to be Soldiers? Is warfare ever part of His plan?  Most certainly. Even the most ardent pacifist participates in a war that rages in his own body. For God designed him with a complex immune system. This immune system includes killer cells and antibodies – whose sole purpose is to slay billions of invading bacteria and viruses. You see, God knows it’s a dangerous world out there and without our immune system – our body’s army – none of us would survive beyond a few weeks. 

And even the most ardent pacifist can only practice his pacifism if others other defend his freedom. Thankfully, God raises up people to do the grisly job of killing his deadly enemies. God knows that it’s a dangerous world out there and without the Armed Forces of America the diabolical forces of communism, radical Islam, and terrorism will destroy our planet. Yes, though it is beyond the comprehension of many, God calls people to fight against wicked and tyrannical regimes – and destroy them.   

Many Americans cannot accept the legitimacy of having a military because they fail to understand that evil exists in the world. But I’m not talking about evil forms of government or evil races of people. You see, evil infects the hearts of every human being.  It’s the disease of sin which makes us prone to selfishness, greed, pride, and violence. And if our sinful nature goes unrestrained by religion, law, or force, we will destroy ourselves. Therefore, God not only raises up clergymen and public servants. He also raises up men and women to be Soldiers, Law Enforcement officers, and Border Patrol officers – to administer His justice. They are as essential to society’s survival, as the immune system is to the body. 

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul the apostle wrote that God Himself established human government and armed it with the sword of lethal force – to administer God’s justice on the earth. The military and law enforcement are both arms of the government which exercise this lethal force.  Consider all the warriors here in Hebrews 11 whom God raised up to “put foreign armies to flight.” Think of David who claimed that God “armed him with strength” and “trained his hands” for battle (Psalm 18:29, 32, 34, 39). Yes, God most certainly raises up and equips certain people to fight and kill the enemies of humanity and righteousness. Let’s be thankful He does. 

REFLECTION 

  • Revelation 19:11 says that Jesus “wages war in righteousness.” How then can war be evil in and of itself? Does God ever administer justice through war? 
  • As Christ’s servants and warriors, let’s be spiritually strong and morally straight. 

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