caused, when people try to guess which way other people are going to move.
When any military action is to take place, part of the planning stage, is to lay
out a action and re-action plan. The reason for this, is to cut down on casualties
and deaths, including those from friendly fire.
Every battle plan estimates: personnel needed, equipment needed, supplies
needed, estimated casualties, estimated deaths, estimated re-inforcements to
complete the mission. A part of a battle plan is casualties and deaths by friendly
fire, these too have to be figured in with all the other estimates.
In Christianity, we are in a constant battle with evil, both with-in us and forces
outside of us. God is in control of the ultimate outcome, but as human beings, we
get to make choices. Some of those choices effect the ever changing battle plan,
but the conclusion of the war, between good and evil was decided at the cross and
ultimately God wins.
Friendly fire, among Christians, is part of the battle plan, and it is a tragedy of
war. Gossip and rumors, are part of that friendly fire. We have no idea how tragic
our words can be, they can cause pain, they can cause splits in churches, and yes,
they can cause spiritual and physical death at times. I am not saying this is
intentional, friendly fire seldom is, but our words can assist in the death of others,
both in the physical realm, suicide, and spiritual death, turning against God.
The real problem is Christians, turning a casualty into a death. This is a most
critical time in someones life, and one rumor or one gossip, can change a casualty
into a death. We all have times when we are vulnerable, these are times when a
positive or negative word can be an anchor or a floatation device.
That is why James, the brother of Jesus, tells us to control our tongues. Our
words can lift someone up, or drown them. Christians, especially, need to be
aware of what they say and when. Christians need to choose their words wisely.
We have the ability to both; bring healing, and cut like a razor, with our tongues
Bringing up someones faults, when they are struggling is a delicate surgery, that
can lead to them being a healthy Christian again or wound them even worse.
We all sin, we all fall short, but if we can keep the friendly fire casualties to a
minimum, we will have more companions in our battle against evil.
akers-enterprises@att.net
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