We are called to change ourselves and to show love. We are called to be Christ to others. We are not called to force others to behave in particular ways.
Also, when we believe, life takes a very different context – life on this planet ceases to be all important as we see what is beyond. We also know a God who gives justice even amongst what seems to be so unfair and unjust. Ultimately justice is that God will judge us fairly – justice between people in this life takes a different place. Justice in this life is something that we should seek to provide, reflecting God’s justice.
When we seek our own survival above the survival of others we fall back into the failed way of living, we fall back into a self centred life which doesn’t look beyond to God’s provision. Attempts at self survival are doomed – we can’t do it – only God can give us our survival as we give our lives to him.
If we back war, police with guns or any kind of ‘self survival over love for our enemies’ then we are reverting to (human) type and we deny Christ’s provision and Christ’s message of love. We will continue to be responsible for the circle of violence and for the death of the innocent.
i am having a battle of flesh against spirit at the moment and was wondering if it was always this clear cut … is it always merely a case of fleeing from temptation ?
Hi Catherine – sorry about the delay, ’twas on hols!
I’m not sure that we can be as clear cut about killing. Even though I count myself as a pacifist I recognise that I can’t put God in a box – after all he is the ultimate arbiter of justice.
However, when it comes to temptation, if we can clearly see that the temptation is toward our selfishness/sinfulness then yes – flee as if your life depends upon it… because it does. However, if it is a temptation to do good, then go ahead embrace it.
Our character is formed bit by bit, so each time we give in to temptation then we reduce ourselves and turn our back on ‘the other way’, the way of love, the message of Christ.