Should Christians be in the military?

[countryboydonald]

Can i join the military and still be Christian? I mean, i hear God is love,turn the other cheek,love your enemies,those who do not love people do not love God because God is love, etc. But then Psalm 144:1 speaks about God teaching my hands to war and my fingers to fight. What are your thoughts on this???????

 

[John]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I am a Christian and a Soldier
So far its just a job since i have yet to be to war (yet :-? ) Its touchy but just think about King David, he was a man of God and a soldier. What about Samson :wink:

 

[Allen1901]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Can i join the military and still be Christian? I mean, i hear God is love,turn the other cheek,love your enemies,those who do not love people do not love God because God is love, etc. But then Psalm 144:1 speaks about God teaching my hands to war and my fingers to fight. What are your thoughts on this???????

Not at this time. Remember Christian means "Christ Like"
You can and should defend Your Country from invasion, but Not invade other
countries to steal their resources (i.e.Oil)
Your heart is trying to tell You the right thing to do. You should listen.

Listen to this song while You consider the matter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9XYFp3xLyg

God Bless Obama and Biden!

 

[handy]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I moved your topic here to Talk and Advise.

My own thoughts are that it's OK for a Christian to be a soldier. Romans 13 tells us that God establishes government and gives government the sword. No governments are established except by God's will. Soldiers bear the sword of government. As long as a soldier is obeying orders, there is no conflict with one's Christianity and being a soldier.

Naturally there are examples of egregious actions of the military, when soldiers are ordered to go beyond bearing the sword for government and become party to atrocities. When this happens, then naturally, a soldier must follow the promptings of the Spirit and resist.

 

[keekl]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I served in the Marine Corps some years past, but since I became a Christian I would not return to the military but rather be conscientous objector for religious reasons...each has to examine the faith, the scriptures, take counsel, and do as they believe they are led.

 

[Allen1901]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I served in the Marine Corps some years past, but since I became a Christian I would not return to the military but rather be conscientous objector for religious reasons...each has to examine the faith, the scriptures, take counsel, and do as they believe they are led.

Thank You for Your Service, and Your Honesty!

God Bless Obama and Biden!

 

[John]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I was experiencing a heavy pressure to leave the military. The job rocked and the people were fine but i recently started feeling odd about it for no reason, it was weird :-? So i placed myself on leave to find a real job (the military was part time) and i found one, i am gonna move up north :D so i must quit the military, it feels so right :

 

[Allen1901]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

I am a Christian and a Soldier
So far its just a job since i have yet to be to war (yet :-? ) Its touchy but just think about King David, he was a man of God and a soldier. What about Samson :wink:

David was not allowed to build God's Temple because He was a Man of War.


God Bless Obama and Biden!

 

[whitecloud]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Hi fellas in Christ,

First if you know you are His at His return and have no doubt that if you died today you would go to be with Jesus, then each person to their own gifts. Jesus never told a soldier or local authority to quit their jobs. Gads, each to His own gifts. Remember though it is difficult to love the enemy who will kill you in a heart beat.

The Bible denotes that there is honor in puting yourself in harms way for those you love and want to protect. Each man to his own gifts. The war is between good and evil. It is never wrong to do the right thing, but always wrong if your the wrong person.

Jesus did say , He who lives by the sword will die by the sword. That does not mean it is more than just an observation for us to consider.What would the world do without police, sherrifs deputies and troopers. FBI CIA and ****, plus a standing Armed forces to defend and protect.
Pluss we are told there is honor in all labors.

What ever, to each their own tallents. Pray.

 

[Allen1901]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

To recap the thread, the OP asked if He could be a Christian in the Military.

Former Service Men said No. A current Service Man said Yes, but Gods leading Him to get out.

Non Service Members said Yes, Sure, Kill all You want, it's not Your responsibility.
Obey Your Government and don't think for Yourself.

Personally, I prefer to take directions from people Who know the trail.

 

[Blazin Bones]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

So what would you say to all the Christians who still feel called to serve in the Armed services?

 

[LostSoul]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Non Service Members said Yes, Sure, Kill all You want, it's not Your responsibility.

Obey Your Government and don't think for Yourself.

Personally, I prefer to take directions from people Who know the trail.

Allen,

I am sorry but that is a bit stereotypical. Both my parents once served in the armed forces. Neither were choosably removed. But both were disabled. Do they speak badly of their time? No.
Does that make them any less of Christians for having wanted to protect their country and their rights as well as those of their loved ones? I do not think so.

Yes, it is true David was not allowed to do certain things because he was a man of war. At the same time, was he still not a man after God's own heart?

Not that I am saying killing any one person is right. For it is NOT. Yet, we must also consider that God called certain people to lead armies and go to war. As it says in Ecclesiastes....there is a time for war, a time for peace....a time for everything under heaven.


Countryboydonald,

Let God speak to you. If you are having doubts or questioning the rightness of going into the military....it may not be for you to do so. If you concern yourself with killing others, which is good to do so, then maybe another course is in order for you. In other words, look to God, for He will reveal His purpose for you to you in time.

May God Bless You

Danielle

 

[Amielou]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

i'm not sure what to advise on this one, but i had some thoughts i felt led to share...

-God commanded and then led the Israelites to the promised land and they had to fight a battle to get it, and people died, but this is what God told them to do.

-God was with David when he defeated Goliath with a sling and stone in the war, He did not condemn Him for wanting to help in the battle...

-God also helped His people in many battles "holding the sun in the sky both day and night" and "putting fear in their hearts and they were afraid" (i can't think of the passage now, but if i find it i will edit a ref. in)

-God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

-We are commanded "thou shalt not murder".

-We read about God giving authority to governments and giving them the sword, but there are a lot of dreadful so called 'governments' in this world who would use their 'sword' to rid their country and people of their rights to safety and freedom.

I am all to pieces and split on this one, i seem to think and feel different things for different reasons...

I think that previous posters are correct in advising you to seek God's guidance on this one.... Perhaps it is possible that you have questions and doubts about this for a reason?

I don't think it is something that can be taken lightly... If you are having doubts maybe even a break would be a good idea? I don't think it's something you should be doing while you're not sure.

Pray pray pray and may you 'hear' the voice of God in a clear answer soon.

I pray God will guide your heart and you will seek Him in all you do and say. I pray you will be an example if Jesus love in this dark world. I pray He will bless you and give you a life abundant in joy and peace in Him.

-Amielou

 

[Robert_S]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Allen,
I am new to this site, and not familiar with the different members here, but your statement

Not at this time

and

You can and should defend Your Country from invasion, but Not invade other
countries to steal their resources (i.e.Oil)

along with your quote

God Bless Obama and Biden!

is an obvious demonstration of your political views regarding U.S. presidential politics, and not an unbiased opinion based on scripture or Christianity.

Former Service Men said No.

Nobody said no in answering the original question. The former servicemen was actually one former serviceman and he said he wouldn’t.

A current Service Man said Yes, but Gods leading Him to get out.

As others have already mentioned, each to his own gifts. By having another calling doesn’t mean Christians can’t join the military.

Non Service Members said Yes, Sure, Kill all You want, it's not Your responsibility.

Since you’re recapping only this thread, and nobody contributing to this thread actually said the things you claim non-service-members said, this proves you’re a liar.

I served in the military for 8 years, and only experienced for about 3 minutes of being fired upon and having to return fire. I was proud of my service and would gladly serve again, but I got out due to the strain it was having on my new family.

Not at this time

God Bless Obama and Biden!

So I suppose starting January 20th, when Obama becomes President, it will be ok for Christians to join the military. Is that also the date we stop invading other nations for their resources?

I agree with the others, in that it is ok to be a christian and join the military.

 

[strathyboy]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

In some ways, the original question is a very simple one. After all, Jesus did say that whoever believed in him would be saved. He didn't add in the proviso that if you joined the military, the verse no longer applies to you.

In other ways, as is evident from the responses, the question can be more complex. It may depend on your nation, and the sorts of jobs you are likely to be asked to do.

It's good to get the opinions of other Christians, but remember that culture and life experience also play a big role in these opinions. Ask God.

 

[nadab]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Many feel that being a Christian does not prevent one from serving in the military. What does the Bible and history have to say about this ? Jesus said, in quoting from Leviticus 19:18, that the second greatest commandment is "you must love your neighbor as yourself."(Matt 22:39) Can a person love one's neighbor as oneself by going to war against them or in any way harming them ? Jesus showed who our neighbor is in the illustration of the "good Samaritan" at Luke 10:30-37, which is anyone we meet anywhere on the earth.

He further corrected the Jews belief that one's neighbor was another Jew who kept the Jewish traditions (as taught by the Pharisees and certainly not Gentiles or Samaritans) and that, according to oral tradition, one could hate one's enemies, saying: "You heard that it was said, ' You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy '. However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you."(Matt 5:43)

Thus, Jesus set matters straight regarding what a person should do, that is to love all, even one's enemies. In addition, Jesus, on the night before his death, said to his eleven faithful apostles: "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."(John 13:34,35) Shortly after this, he said: "These things I command you, that you love one another....If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you."(John 15:17,19)

Hence, Jesus disciples were to "have love among themselves", being "no part of the world", not meddling in the political arena nor of the military. Can one show godly love and yet serve in the armed forces ? Here is some history of the early Christians:

In the book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, Vol. I, p. 416, it says: "While they [the Christians] inculcated the maxims of passive obedience, they refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defence of the empire. . . . It was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers, of magistrates, or of princes.â€Â

Under the subtopic of “Persecution of the Christians in Gaul, A.D. 177,†by F. P. G. Guizot in The Great Events by Famous Historians, edited by R. Johnson, 1905, Vol. III, p. 246, it stated: "The Christians . . . shrank from public office and military service."

Of the military, in the book The Rise of Christianity, by E. W. Barnes, 1947, p. 333, it said: "A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.â€Â

In the book, The Early Church and the World, by C. J. Cadoux, 1955, pp. 275, 276, it said this: "It will be seen presently that the evidence for the existence of a single Christian soldier between 60 and about 165 A.D. is exceedingly slight; . . . up to the reign of Marcus Aurelius at least, no Christian would become a soldier after his baptism.â€Â

And in the book, Our World Through the Ages, by N. Platt and M. J. Drummond, 1961, p. 125, it said: "The behavior of the Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.â€Â

The early Christians refused to intermingle with the political field or the military, though surrounded by it, just as true Christians are today. It was only after the death of the last apostle John in about 100 C.E., that the view toward politics and the military began to change, even as Jesus had already given a parable concerning this at Matthew 13:24-30.

Some thing else to consider is at Revelation 19:17,18, during what the Bible calls the "great evening meal of God", the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16) those who are in the military become part of the "meal" for the "all the birds that fly in midheaven", these being enemies of God. It says to the "birds": "Come here, be gathered together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshy parts of kings and the fleshy parts of military commanders (literally chiliarchs (Greek); each a commander of 1,000 soldiers; captains, King James Bible) and the fleshy parts of strong men and the fleshy parts of horses and of those seated upon them, the fleshy parts of all, of freemen as well of slaves and of small ones and great."

In addition, the apostle Paul, at 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, says that "though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare (literally "we are not doing military service") according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God." Thus a Christian does not fight as in fleshly warfare, which is the military's way, but rather these are "overturning reasonings and every lofty raised against the knowledge of God", as Jesus set the example.

Is not the military a foundation for war, not peace ? Can one follow the directive of Jesus, when he said: "Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called sons of God"(Matt 5:9) and yet involve themselves with the military ? Not if one wants to be called "sons of God", whom Jesus said also would be "hated" by the "world", for not participating in its affairs, either directly or tacitly.

 

[Robert_S]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Can a person love one's neighbor as oneself by going to war against them or in any way harming them ? Jesus showed who our neighbor is in the illustration of the "good Samaritan" at Luke 10:30-37, which is anyone we meet anywhere on the earth.

Regarding the Good Samaritan, Jesus didn’t say anyone we meet anywhere on earth is our neighbour. According to Jesus, the priest and the Levite were not neighbours to the man who fell victim to the robbers. The Samaritan was a neighbour because he showed mercy.

Jesus said, in quoting from Leviticus 19:18, that the second greatest commandment is "you must love your neighbor as yourself."(Matt 22:39)

In my opinion, quoting this as an argument against Christians joining the military is taking this quote out of context. Verse 17 is tied to verse 18.
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD.
This and the Good Samaritan are examples that not everyone is a neighbor.

He further corrected the Jews belief that one's neighbor was another Jew who kept the Jewish traditions (as taught by the Pharisees and certainly not Gentiles or Samaritans) and that, according to oral tradition, one could hate one's enemies, saying: "You heard that it was said, ' You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy '. However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you."(Matt 5:43)
Thus, Jesus set matters straight regarding what a person should do, that is to love all, even one's enemies.

What you are talking about is at a personal one-on-one level. What I(and others) are talking about is a national level. Nobody is denying that you should love your enemies as your friends, but does that mean you should step aside and allow your enemy to destroy your friend?
If your country is being invaded by barbarians intent on killing all the males, and raping/enslaving all the females, than what should a Christian do? Stay put while your friends and family(whom you love) are slaughtered by the enemy(whom you also love) and have faith in God that it will all work out in the end? Flee with your family? Join the military to help defend your country?

Can a person love one's neighbor as oneself by going to war against them or in any way harming them ?

A soldier/sailor/airman doesn’t choose to go to war. They choose to protect their country, and are sometimes sent to war by the powers that be. Is it wrong for a Christian to willingly harm(or even kill) someone who is trying to kill their own son or daughter? Is it wrong for a Christian who would willing harm(or kill) an enemy soldier attempting to slaughter his/her countrymen?

 

[nadab]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Hello Robert_S,
In the parable or illustration of the "good (or neighborly) Samaritan", Jesus did not say that only Samaritans were to be our neighbor, but rather anyone that ' acts mercifully ' toward someone else.(Luke 10:37) Hence, to be neighborly, then one must act "mercifully" toward another person.

When telling the Pharisee that the second greatest commandment was to love one’s neighbor as oneself, Jesus was referring to the specific law given to Israel, as recorded at Leviticus 19:18. In that same chapter, the Jews were told that they should view others besides fellow Israelites as their neighbors. Verse 34 states: “The alien resident who resides as an alien with you should become to you like a native of yours; and you must love him as yourself, for you became alien residents in the land of Egypt.†Thus, even non-Jews, especially the proselytes, were to be treated with love.

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day, however, saw the matter differently. Some taught that the terms “friend†and “neighbor†applied only to Jews. Non-Jews were to be hated. Such teachers reasoned that the godly must despise the godless. “In such an atmosphere,†says one reference work, “it was impossible for hatred to starve. It had plenty to feed on.â€Â

That is why Jesus addressed this wrong reasoning, saying: "You heard that it said, ' You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' However, I say to you, ' Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you.' " He then says the reason why, "that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens....For if you love those loving you , what reward do you have ? Are not the tax collectors doing the same thing ? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing ? Are not people of the nations doing the same thing ?" Jesus has clarified what love entails and then says: "You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."(Matt 5:43-48) Does God show partiality to anyone ?


Hence, what is required of anyone to be "perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" ? To show love to everyone, including one's "enemies", regardless of race, color, ethnic background, or social status. Otherwise, this person has failed the test of perfection of love in God's eyes. In saying this, Jesus was not talking about just a "one-on-one level", but on a global scale.

The apostle Paul, in writing to the Romans, said to "return evil to evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men.....Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is writtenat Deut 32:35)"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says Jehovah". But (at Prov 25:22) "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head." Thus, a true Christian is not to "return evil to no one", even if "your country is being invaded by barbarians intent on killing all the males, and raping/enslaving all the females."

This is the same reasoning that all the nations have, with each nation fighting for its sovereignty, without regard for their Creator. It is because of this attitude that true love has become distorted, with many individuals placing their nation on a pedestal, above other nations and the reason why there are "nations" instead one human family under a theocratic government.

When Jesus was abused at the hands of the Roman soldiers, what did he do ? Fight back ? Jesus knew, in advance, that he would be mistreated, and eventually be put to death.(Isa 53:12) When being arrested, how did Jesus respond ? He told the Roman soldiers: "Return your sword to its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you not think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels ? "(Matt 26:52,53)

The apostle Peter said that those who are true Christians were to follow Jesus perfect example, saying: "In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely....When being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously."(1 Pet 2:21,23)

Who is willing to follow in Jesus ' footsteps closely' and commit themselves (or wait on), "to the one who judges righteously", that is God ? Apparently very few, for most bring the same argument that you have. That is why Jesus said that only a small number of people would be on the "road leading off into life", because many find it just too "narrow and cramped".(Matt 7:14) These are unwilling to put on the Christ-like personality as permanent clothing.(Eph 4:22-24) Psalms 37:7 says to "keep silent before Jehovah and wait longingly for him. Do not show yourself heated up at anyone making his way successful, at the man carrying out his ideas."

What does history of the early Christians show ? For example, Tacitus, a Roman historian born about 55 C.E., tells of the rumor charging that Nero was the one responsible for burning Rome (64 C.E.), and then says: “Therefore, to scotch the rumour, Nero substituted as culprits, and punished with the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men, loathed for their vices [as the Romans viewed matters], whom the crowd styled Christians. . . . First, then, the confessed members of the sect were arrested; next, on their disclosures, vast numbers were convicted, not so much on the count of arson as for hatred of the human race. And derision accompanied their end: they were covered with wild beasts’ skins and torn to death by dogs; or they were fastened on crosses, and, when daylight failed were burned to serve as lamps by night.†(The Annals, XV, XLIV)

The Christians were unwilling to fight back, because they were following in Jesus ' footsteps'. It because of the mental perception that "my country, right or wrong", that love of neighbor has been relegated to the cellar. Jesus said that "love of neighbor" in our time period would "cool off ".(Matt 24:12) Author Ivo Duchacek observed in his book Conflict and Cooperation Among Nations: “Nationalism divides humanity into mutually intolerant units. As a result, people think as Americans, Russians, Chinese, Egyptians or Peruvians first, and human beings secondâ€â€if at all.â€Â

Former United Nations Secretary-General U Thant (1961-71) observed: “So many of the problems that we face today are due to, or the result of, false attitudesâ€â€me of them have been adopted almost unconsciously. Among these is the concept of narrow nationalismâ€â€Ã¢â‚¬Ëœmy country, right or wrong.’â€Â

 

[Robert_S]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

In the parable or illustration of the "good (or neighborly) Samaritan", Jesus did not say that only Samaritans were to be our neighbor, but rather anyone that ' acts mercifully ' toward someone else.(Luke 10:37) Hence, to be neighborly, then one must act "mercifully" toward another person.

That was pretty much my response to you when you erroneously stated “Jesus showed who our neighbor is in the illustration of the "good Samaritan" at Luke 10:30-37, which is anyone we meet anywhere on the earth.â€Â

Nadab,

I agree with most of what you say, but I disagree that defending your country against aggression is a form of “returning evil to evil…†and “avenging yourself…â€Â

By your interpretation, a Christian can’t become a police officer either because of their duty to serve and protect the community, yet without local law enforcement, there would be total anarchy.

If a christian man came home from work, and found his house broken into and the “enemy†still inside and in the process of killing his family members one by one, what should he do? How can you love your family if you won’t do anything to protect them? Preventing further damage to your family by physically removing the enemy is not a sign you don’t love the enemy, but that the enemy needs disciplined. Even people you love need discipline from time to time.

If a thug is to attack me, I can see it is a sin to attack back. If I see my child being tortured by a sicko, and God has given me the opportunity to rescue him/her, do I continue to let him/her suffer and call it God’s will? Is that proving to God that you love your enemy too?

I believe Christians can protect and serve their community through law enforcement, and I believe they can protect their nation from invasion in the armed forces. I also believe that aggression can be used as a greater good(such as spanking your child when discipline is necessary). I’m not disagreeing with what scripture says about turning the other cheek and all, but I believe that the Word of God is able to judge the thoughts/attitudes/intentions of the heart(Heb 4:12), and I believe we can do those things without hate.

 

[nadab]

Re: Can i join the military and still be Christian?

Hello Robert_s,

Our "neighbor" is indeed anyone we meet, for there is no nationality, social group, ethnicity, that is removed from being our "neighbor". Love has no borders, nor sees color, nor material status.

Jesus clearly said that "all those who take the sword will perish by the sword".(Matt 26:52) You feel, as many do, that one must defend their country. However, true Christians recognize Jesus words as having great importance in their lives, causing them to make needed changes in their personality, sometimes a complete reversal from previous viewpoints, such as the apostle Paul.(Acts 9:20,21) Is it a challenge ? Yes indeed, for our fleshly feelings causes us to want to "rise up" and defend ourselves (or others) by physical means. Jesus, though, taught his disciples to "love your neighbor as yourself."(Matt 22:39)

When Jesus was being "reviled", what did he do ? Attack back verbally ? When he was "suffering" at the hands of his opposers, what did he do ? Fight back ? What did Peter say ? That "when he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously."(2 Peter 2:23)

He kept "committing himself to the one who judges righteously", that is his Father, God rather than take "vengeance". Because so many have disregarded this and other scriptures, the people of the nations have then followed their fleshly tendencies, that is, if someone attacks me, I will attack back, seeking vengeance. Does God then consider them as his "people", as true Christians ? To the contrary, he looks upon them with disdain.

The divine counsel to "return evil for evil to no one" has been thrown out the window by most, including the churches.(Rom 12:17) God's word in this regard, has no more of an effect than a "placebo". In regard to someone breaking into one's home, one could use reasonable force to protect him and his family (Ex 22:2,3), or to flee a dangerous situation, as Joseph was told in a dream by God's angel to flee to Egypt to save the young child, Jesus, from Herod's wrath.(Matt 2:13-15)

However, concerning being part of the military, the Bible has shown how God views this, as those who are involved as "part of the world" (John 15:19), and that the apostle John said "is passing away", whereas only those who "does the will of God remains forever".(1 John 2:17) Those who are enmeshed with the military are seen by God as "adulteresses". One who entangles himself in the military, as a "friend of the world", is now said to be God's "enemy".(James 4:4) Would one want to be considered as an "enemy" of God ?

The nations of the "world" have created segregational boundaries, with each having its own political agenda and military. These have set up their own sovereignty, giving no serious consideration to God. These have made "flesh his arm", being likened to "a solitary tree in the desert plain and will not see when good comes", instead of being like the "able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah (God), and whose confidence Jehovah (God) has become", becoming like a "tree planted by the waters, (and) his foliage will actually prove to be luxuriant".(Jer 17:5-8)

That is why Revelation 19:17,18 says that the "birds that fly in midheaven" will have as a "meal", the "fleshy parts of kings and the fleshy parts of military commanders". These have become God's enemies and as a result, will be wiped off the face of the earth. At Psalms 2:8, Jesus is given "nations as your inheritance and the ends of the earth as your own possession." Seeing that these have sought their own rulerships rather than God's, these are condemned and seen as fit to be done away with, for verse 9 says that Jesus "will break them with an iron scepter, as though a potter's vessel you (Jesus as enthroned king of God's kingdom) will dash them to pieces".

Revelation 12:5 says that the "male child", (God's kingdom and of which Jesus is king) that was born to the "woman", (God's symbolic wife, heavenly faithful angelic hosts) will "shepherd all the nations with an iron rod." Being 'shepherded with an iron rod', the nations of the world will be totally destroyed, along with their military machines, with God's kingdom being called a "stone" that crushes the "immense image"(all human governments of the earth) and then ' fills the whole earth'.(Dan 2:35; Matt 21:43,44)