Montgomery County sentinel., 1944-11-09
THE CHURCH DURING WAR AND
PEACE

Everywhere men are talking about
the coming peace. They are con-
cerned lest having won a war we
may lose the peace through the self.
ishness or the indifference of men.
1t is great problem and one about
which we are rightly concerned.
Why is it then that the most inn
portant factor in assuring a just and
friendly settlement of the problem
is left out of mems deliberations?
Why is there so little (if any)
thought of God and prayer to Him
for the needed guidance and wis
dom?
We know that there can never be
an abiding peace until Christ comes
to establish His kingdom, but in the
meantime, we should seek to bring
Christian principles to bear on the
relations of men and nations. We
are to show:
l. A Higher Measure of Love
(Matt. 5:43-48).
The world has established its own
principle of conduct based on selfish
advantage. 1t pays to be polite to
those who can favor you. so culti-
vate their good will by acts of cour-
tesy and kindness. Your neighbor
may be able to help you in an hour
of need, so do good to him as you
have opportunity.
But an enemy-what can you
gain from kindness to him? Hate
him, and treat him like an enemy.
Christianity knows nothing of such
a spirit. Even though it be neces-
sary to fight against wicked men in
order to hinder their evil plans,
we need not lose our love for them.
Even those who despitefully use
us may be loved for Christs sake.
Consider Him that endured such
contradiction of sinners Him.
SELF (and went right on loving
them), lest ye be wearied' in
your own love for those who bear
the sad name of enemies (see Heb.
1879.
This is admittedly high stand
ard, but it is not too high for those
who know the love of Christ.
II. A Higher Degree of Loyalty
(Rom. 1919.
An intelligent Christian is the best
citizen. He knows that all govern
ment is based on the power and
authority of God. and hence he rec
ognizes the legality and authority of
duly constituted governmental agen-
cies.
No matter how much man has per-
verted or degraded government,
yet it is in essence the expression
of ministry of God ". A.. How
deeply ashamed that should make
those who regard political office as
means of personal gain and ad-
vantage, or who use their authority
to permit or promote that which is
against God.
Every public official should recog-
nize God as the giver of his authori-
ty and seek the Lords special grace
and guidance in the discharge of
his duties. Every citizen should
highly regard the one who rules as
having a power ordained Of God
". ID, for the good of the nation
". A..
Here then is the solution of the
political problems which are caus-
ing upheaval all over the world,
namely, revival of Christian testi-
mony and faith, for it will lead to a
loyalty on the part of the people
which is quite unknown where Chris
tianity does not bring its true in
fluence to bear.
That kind of love for men and
loyalty to government necessarily
brings about:
iii. A Higher Standard of Patri-
otism (Rom. l3:5-D.
There is more to real patriotism
than flag waving and high-sounding
oratory. There must be a consci-
entious willingness to serve the ma
tion in willing obedience to the COM
mand or the request of proper
authority.
The Christian gives Just that kind
OF patriotic support to his country
". 81. His enlightened conscience
demands it, and he responds.
Then too. there must be support
of the government by the payment
of taxes. Think of the thousands who
are engaged in the business of evad-
ing their just share of the cost of
government
The Christian has no share in
such things. for he is ready to pay
his share of the expense of govern
ment as ministry of the Lord
! ". g..
No government can function prop
erly nor long endure which does not
have the respect and confidence of
those governed. There can be moth.
ing but criticism, discomfort, and
disobedience in such an atmosphere.
We have said il before, but
we say it again-the best thing that
could happen to America politically
is revival of Christianity. Our
national leaders ought to set the ex-
ample and encourage the people to
follow in repentance. restitution and
Gods blessing. Read II Chroni.
cles TIA.