WAR WORDS

Iran uses war words aimed at Israel.  North Korea is using war words toward the United States.

War words; those phrases that have intent to actively attack and conquer.

Jesus gives us war words.  He assumes we will engage in the gigantic battle for the hearts of humanity.  Atomic or nuclear, nothing is as disastrous as the trail of deadened spirits strewn across college campuses, local neighborhoods, and the corporate world.  Devastation waits in emergency rooms and coffee shops.

Why?

The church denies there is any sort of war going on.  It simply hides within the safe routine of churchianity.  Yet, the dread and the dead are everywhere.  We must save them.

Erwin McManus insists Christianity over the past two thousand years has moved from a tribe of renegades to a religion of conformists.  Those who choose to follow Jesus become participants in an insurrection.  To claim we believe is simply not enough.  The call of Jesus is one that demands action. 

Jesus invited disciples to follow him with instruction to Go.  McManus continues his thoughts with a quick survey of the modern church would lead you to believe His invitation was "Come and listen." 

You and I must fight for the hearts of humanity.  Confusion, disorientation, and depression reigns...and seems to rain upon neighbors and relatives.  We must engage.  We can do this.  It is being done by many.  Yet the church masses seem both disengaged and disinterested.  Our personal comfort seems front and center.

Me?  I perceive myself to be far from what Jesus had hoped.  I believe I have no idea how much more God wishes for me that I reject because I'm either too afraid or simply too self-centered.  However, the hope and the faith and the love which are the weapons from God are handed to me (to us) for these three are war words. 

May we be determined to enter the world-wide battle instead of just the name-brand church assembly.