Let's Be Civil

Take a moment to consider two stories from the American Civil War. The bloody conflict began in earnest when, on July 21, 1861, Confederate forces routed the North at Manassas (in upstate Virginia) in what became known as the First Battle of Bull Run. Much of the battle took place on the farm of a man named Wilmer McLean. When a Union shell exploded in his kitchen, McLean decided he disliked living in a war zone and moved his family south, away from the fighting. His new home? Appomattox Court House, where, almost four years later, General Robert E. Lee would offer his surrender to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. Mr. McLean used to say that the Civil War began in his front yard and ended in his front parlor.

The second story comes from the Battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6th and 7th of 1862. It seems that a wounded soldier was told to lay down his rifle and go to the rear for medical treatment. He followed orders, but returned several minutes later and growled, "Gimme another gun. This blame fight ain't got any rear!"

Retreat and neutrality are not the way of success in Christian spiritual warfare. When the nation of Israel sought spiritual neutrality, Joshua demanded a decision (Joshua 24:14-16). When the nation of Israel vacillated on Mt. Carmel, Elijah called for a showdown (I Kings 17:17-24). Jesus Christ told His hearers, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" (Matthew 12:30).We are either the servant of Jesus Christ OR the enemies of Christ, and there can be no separate place!

So, heed the trumpet that blasts out our call to arms and fall in with God's mighty army, marching forth with the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some may choose to hang back, and cower before the enemy, but as for me, "Gimme my Bible. This blame fight ain't got any rear!"

Let's Be Civil,
Pastor David Blevins