Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - WAR

 WAR

A three letter word that tends to strike fear and dismay into the hearts of almost everyone. It has been said that most conflicts are the result of either religious, social, or political issues but in reality the basis is usually a struggle regarding pride and power. It’s really been that way from the very beginning. 

We have been fortunate, in this part of the world, to have escaped major conflict for about 75 years. The present is the first time since WW2 that a major struggle has involved Europe and that is one of the longest times in hundreds of years. It doesn’t mean that the world has been at peace though as usually there are between 4 and 7 wars taking place somewhere in the world much of the time.

When one considers themselves better, more deserving, or more capable than others, then the stage is set for conflict to arise. It apparently happened from the very start of history when even Lucifer felt himself to be worthy of more than he had. For he had said:                                 

I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest side of the north;

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, 

I will be like the Most High.

(Isaiah 14:13-14)

But we know what happened in the end. Isaiah also relates this:

How are you fallen from heaven,

O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How you are cut down to the ground,

 You who weakened the nations! 

(14:12)

Unfortunately, as long as man is on earth, there will be conflict because pride and the desire for power predominates the thinking of man. Apparently even in Heaven, conflict can continue because the Bible states: “…war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,” (Revelation 12:7). As was the case with Lucifer, almost all those who have created war in the past have fallen from their perch before it was all over.

No one really ever wins a war - the leaders may have a moment in the sun but everyone else suffers more than wins. As I said, we have been fortunate to have avoided most problems for the past 75 years or so, therefore, let’s pray that the present situation does not progress further than it already has. There has been enough suffering already. One person’s desire can lead to unknown misery for many. Peace, not war, is what the world needs.

And that’s something we should all pray about.