14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
This is interesting. I have an example about this. Today we met a neighbor out here, he's retired army, probably in his 40s. Really nice guy. He was telling us a little about our neighbors just so we have a clue since we haven't met many yet. On one side of us there is a family who lost their husband/father in Iraq. The children are adults and one of them has been getting in trouble, knocking down mailboxes and stuff like that. But that's all he said. He wanted us to know that they weren't babysitter material, but doesn't want us to think they are evil or anything. I think that is a good example of the spirit of the scripture.
Ether 13
16 And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him.
17 But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins.
Why are they all fair? Remember in High School when all the pretty people were popular, and also not very nice individuals?
18 Wherefore, it came to pass that in the first year that Ether dwelt in the cavity of a rock, there were many people who were slain by the sword of those secret combinations, fighting against Coriantumr that they might obtain the kingdom.
19 And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr fought much and bled much.
20 And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare the people—
21 Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr.
I would not like to be given that direction. Imagine having to say this to the most evil person you could think of. Hitler, Saddam Hussein, or any number of people like them. They would immediately have you killed. That would be scary.
22 And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity of the rock.
Haha, what I wrote is exactly what happened. Brave guy. I wonder if that rock still exists, it would be cool to see it.
23 And it came to pass that there arose up Shared, and he also gave battle unto Coriantumr; and he did beat him, insomuch that in the third year he did bring him into captivity.
24 And the sons of Coriantumr, in the fourth year, did beat Shared, and did obtain the kingdom again unto their father.
What was the point of the third year? Shared wins briefly. What's the point?
25 Now there began to be a war upon all the face of the land, every man with his band fighting for that which he desired.
26 And there were robbers, and in fine, all manner of wickedness upon all the face of the land.
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3 comments:
you said "What's the point?"
and I'll make it broader, what's the point of any war?
I suppose in some greater scheme of things there are great lessons to be learned, but it hardly seems like much is learned from war except hate and bloodshed victory or defeat.
God commands and a true son or daughter of God obeys.... It might not make sense to most people. I felt like I was told to stop going to church. I know most people would think that is nuts. God would never say such a thing. It wasn't easy for me at first. And I still ask from time to time to be sure I am on the right path... I have an idea of what it's like to listen, really listen. It's a direct command to me. It establishes a closer connection when you are able to obey God even with things that don't make much sense.
or, for a better example, probably one of the hardest things for most parents to do would be to kill their own children. (makes me think of 'Kung-fu Panda')
God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. To add more to this, Abraham's own father tried to sacrifice Abraham. But Abraham's father was not a righteous man. To think of what was going through Abraham's mind. He didn't know that God wouldn't actually let him go through with it. And he had waited so long to have a son (something like 90 years). Abraham was obedient in going to the Egyptians and telling them his wife was his sister. Knowing the Egyptians would take that to mean Sarah was fair game to take for themselves. Abraham is a wonderful example of following what God tells him even when it sounds like the worst advice.
Don't tell Chris that God told you to stop going to church, that will start off a riot! I believe you are doing what's right for you though.
That example from Abraham is good, he really does know what it's like and he has true faith (knowledge) that it's right and does it.
War has no point. People justify it but it's not good.
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