Category: pacifism

Zealously Affected #31

Monday, March 23, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“I know my rights!” is proclaimed just before lawbreaking citizens fight with the police (and lose!). Did you notice the talking? Why, they were totally ignorant of perhaps their most valuable constitutional right—their right to remain silent! Listen to the interviews of family members and friends of convicted criminals. Regardless of how credible and overwhelming the evidence of guilt is, the reply is, “I know this person, and he/she could never and would never do that.” With discernment distorted because of emotional attachment, denial is situated at the forefront. Reason has no place in their appraisal of the matter. In fact, blame will be assigned to the victim and the criminal will be portrayed as an “unfairly targeted, upstanding citizen.”

Emotionalism leads to additional favoritism or preferential treatment. Someone in authority might refuse to investigate or prosecute a guilty party because he or she “feels sorry” for the suspect. Under the Law of Moses, neither the poor man nor the rich man was to have any advantage in court proceedings. “Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause…. Thou shalt not wrest [bend, pervert] the judgment of thy poor in his cause…. And thou shalt take no gift [bribe]: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous” (Exodus 23:3,6,8). The LORD demanded equal application of the Law to all people regardless of financial status. Such righteous decisions could stem only from logic instead of feelings.

Pacifism is man’s futile attempt to avoid war, for sin makes conflict inevitable (Romans 1:29-31; Galatians 5:15,20; James 4:1,2). Emotionalism puts down weapons and considers everyone a friend who is open to affable discussion and peaceful resolution. How naïve! Critical thinking, in contrast, keeps weapons near because this world is replete with individuals who would not hesitate to harm us and our families if given opportunity. What will the disarmed citizenry do when their government waxes so crooked it targets these the defenseless? How will “nonviolent” neighboring countries survive? Emotions have deceived again.

To repeat, feelings must be carefully managed….

God’s Battle #6

Sunday, October 23, 2022

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV).

Indeed, “for the battle is not yours, but God’s!”

Some seven centuries before today’s Scripture, the Israelites were helpless slaves to Egypt—in bondage to the flesh (sin), the world (system), and the Devil (Satan). Since Pharaoh refused to release them, God’s purpose and plan for the Earth was being hindered. Thus, the LORD smote the land of Egypt with 10 devastating plagues (Exodus chapters 7–12). Pharaoh reluctantly freed the Jews, but he and his armies pursued them all the way to the Red Sea. Once again, the LORD was more than ready to show the Egyptians and the Jews who was God and who was not.

Read Exodus chapter 14: “[13] And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. [14] The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Although pacifists argue there is no such thing as a “just war,” they are simply advertising Bible ignorance. They tell us a lie. In fact, Exodus 15:3 comments on this same event with the following: “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.” Due to sin, war is inevitable or unavoidable (James 4:1,2). Unless God had intervened to save the Jewish people by drowning the Egyptian troops in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), Pharaoh’s minions would have continued bullying and abusing God’s people (and they would have never reached the Promised Land).

God’s war with Egypt and Pharaoh, His battle with the Gentiles of today’s Scripture, as well as other ancient conflicts (Genesis chapter 14; Judges chapters 4, 5, and 7; 2 Samuel chapter 5; Isaiah chapter 37; to name a few), are glimpses into the future, when God and Satan have their final confrontation at the end of the world….