The use of force is much maligned in Christian circles
SECURITY OF OUR LIFESTYLE
forgetting the ring of steel maintained around our shores
and the policing of our streets that protects our lifestyle
that enables us to live loving lives in security.
We still need our armed services and police
for we have not, all, progressed beyond the law of the jungle
where might is right and the balance of power alone brings peace.
This was the peace enforced by might through the empire of Rome,
which enabled Jesus and his disciples to walk the land freely
which enabled Paul to travel safely from city to city.
This is the peace which we still enjoy today.
The way of Jesus points to another route to peace;
to rely on the goodwill and loving nature of others;
to have "faith" that God will guide their actions.
Sadly we can see that mankind has far to go
to reach that perception.
Whilst the way of Jesus is an ideal
humanity is still in a time of change
and we, who are ready to love our neighbour,
still need protection from those who are ready
to dominate, crush and take by brute force or fear.
Our pretensions to live through love alone
ignores the reality of armed force
protecting our endeavours.
We do need to be honest in our lives and opinions,
before condemning the military or police
for using force on our behalf.