Christian Magazine One Day
I was reading a “Christian” magazine one day (quotes because, though it’s from 2001, the writers didn’t seem to have an ounce of information about the world outside their little circles) and came across an article that mentioned a quote from one of Abraham Lincoln’s official receptions during the Civil War. In it, he referred to Southerners as “erring human beings,” purposely avoiding the use of the word, “enemies.” After giving his speech, a woman in attendance took Lincoln aside, complimented him for speaking so kindly of the Union’s enemies, but then expressed that in HER opinion, he ought to be speaking of “destroying them.”
Then Lincoln responded, “Why, madam, do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”
Destroying Them
I love that comment, not only because Lincoln is one of my favorite US President ever, but also because I agree, for as Christians, is this not what we’re called to do, to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and make disciples by loving those who are living in and devoted to the ways of the world, into the Kingdom of God? Were we who today are members of the Body of Christ, not once pagans – enemies of God and His people? Yet now we fight on the frontline against the force(s) that once blinded us and kept us from accepting the salvation that Jesus Christ offers those who love and accept Him. We were once enemies of God, but He loved us in our betrayal, neutralizing the conflict, and giving us the option of becoming His friends.
I’m Not Sure If I Really Have Any Enemies
As I think about it, I’m not sure if I really have any “enemies”, although there HAVE been some people throughout my life who have done much in their power to make my ministry and life difficult. When some of these people were brought up in the past, I had expressed my hope for the day that I will be sitting at the dinner table with those people who now oppose me, not as we are now, but as friends…real, genuine friends. I have even often had a conversation with them in my mind, at a time of reconciliation, where I would say, “I don’t want your apologies, or your reasons, or justifications, or explaining…I just want your friendship…real, genuine friendship.” In other words, ‘I don’t want your sacrifices…I want you hearts.’
Whenever I Teach Martial Arts
Whenever I teach martial arts, I emphasize to my students that they make EVERY EFFORT to end the conflict in a peaceful manner. In fact, such is what it means to be a true martial artist, because for such is why the arts were developed. You KNOW how to hurt, mame, or destroy the person, but in your love for that person, you make every effort to prevent such from happening, even if it means taking your adversary to the nearest restaurant to eat, talk, and pray with/for them…it’s actually the most advanced skill of a martial artist.
The last words Jackie Chan said at the end of the fight with a violent gang (Rumble in the Bronx) were, “I hope that next time we meet, we will be drinking tea together.” And if you’ve seen it, once translated to English, this changed even the heart of the gang’s leader.
Enemies Have Been Destroyed
Make every effort…EVERY EFFORT to be at peace with one another…for when our enemies become our friends, the conflict neutralizes and the relationship changes to where they are no longer our enemies. So in other words, your enemies have been destroyed, for you have gained them as your friend.
Challenge For You
Challenge for you: Destroy your enemies.
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