What do you think?
The Only Army that Shoots its Wounded
From an article in Christianity Today, February 9, 1998
“The only army that shoots its wounded is the Christian army,” said the speaker, a psychologist who had just returned from an overseas ministry trip among missionaries. He summed up the philosophy of the group he worked with as:
1. We don’t have emotional problems. If any emotional difficulties appear to arise, simply deny having them.
2. If we fail to achieve this first ideal and can’t ignore a problem, strive to keep it from family members and never breathe a word of it outside the family.
3. If both of the first two steps fail, we still don’t seek professional help.
"Unfortunately, many Christians have a bad habit of attacking their fellow Christians when they have fallen spiritually. Instead of criticizing those who have fallen, we should try to find a way to help them....How compassionate do you consider yourself? How many times have you prayed for a fallen brother you have openly criticized? It is my opinion, if you have not fervently prayed for the fallen Christian, you should probably keep your criticisms to yourself. Praying for a fallen brother not only provides him the needed spiritual support, it also helps align your attitude with God’s attitude." Biblehelp.org
"Do we tend to the needs of our fallen brothers and sisters? What does our treatment of our fallen brother and sisters tell others about the Christian Army? What legacy are we leaving behind? Sobering questions aren’t they?
The U.S. military has several elite military units, often referred to as the Special Forces. The Army Rangers is one of these units and has a history that goes back to the Revolutionary War. There are three main reasons why these elite fighting groups are so effective in devastating a superior force. First, only the best of the best make it into these units. Second, these units are highly trained. Third, they are trained to work together as a body.
The military has realized that a group of soldiers that work together as a single body is incredibly difficult to stop. This unity makes it possible for these small teams to be able to defeat overwhelming odds. This unity is essential to the success of these units."
The Army Ranger’s creed is, "Never shall I fail my comrades ... I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy." Wow, if the Christian Army would only treat their brothers and sisters the same way. If the Christian Army would follow this creed, the Christian landscape would be quite different.
My son was Army Night Stalker. He gave our country 24 years of service. If it had not been for the camaraderie, the unit unity, he might not have lived nor have not lost a single man in his unit ever while under his command.
Unfortunately, (while I think of more current experiences in my life even this month), when he retired to where he had moved his large family back so they could stay in the great church that helped them through the military service time, the church Christians turned on him because of something someone accused/claimed. One person, one something not proven. They were asked to leave the church!
Like me now, they have no church home. No Christian fellowship (Yeah I know, with friends like that who needs enemies?)
God says we need fellowship not ostracism. Believers need understanding not isolationism.
May I never treat others the way I am treated. My apologies to any believer who thinks I have (God says the gospel WILL Offend the evil one.)
So what do you think?
Just shoot me.
The Only Army that Shoots its Wounded
From an article in Christianity Today, February 9, 1998
“The only army that shoots its wounded is the Christian army,” said the speaker, a psychologist who had just returned from an overseas ministry trip among missionaries. He summed up the philosophy of the group he worked with as:
1. We don’t have emotional problems. If any emotional difficulties appear to arise, simply deny having them.
2. If we fail to achieve this first ideal and can’t ignore a problem, strive to keep it from family members and never breathe a word of it outside the family.
3. If both of the first two steps fail, we still don’t seek professional help.
"Unfortunately, many Christians have a bad habit of attacking their fellow Christians when they have fallen spiritually. Instead of criticizing those who have fallen, we should try to find a way to help them....How compassionate do you consider yourself? How many times have you prayed for a fallen brother you have openly criticized? It is my opinion, if you have not fervently prayed for the fallen Christian, you should probably keep your criticisms to yourself. Praying for a fallen brother not only provides him the needed spiritual support, it also helps align your attitude with God’s attitude." Biblehelp.org
"Do we tend to the needs of our fallen brothers and sisters? What does our treatment of our fallen brother and sisters tell others about the Christian Army? What legacy are we leaving behind? Sobering questions aren’t they?
The U.S. military has several elite military units, often referred to as the Special Forces. The Army Rangers is one of these units and has a history that goes back to the Revolutionary War. There are three main reasons why these elite fighting groups are so effective in devastating a superior force. First, only the best of the best make it into these units. Second, these units are highly trained. Third, they are trained to work together as a body.
The military has realized that a group of soldiers that work together as a single body is incredibly difficult to stop. This unity makes it possible for these small teams to be able to defeat overwhelming odds. This unity is essential to the success of these units."
The Army Ranger’s creed is, "Never shall I fail my comrades ... I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy." Wow, if the Christian Army would only treat their brothers and sisters the same way. If the Christian Army would follow this creed, the Christian landscape would be quite different.
My son was Army Night Stalker. He gave our country 24 years of service. If it had not been for the camaraderie, the unit unity, he might not have lived nor have not lost a single man in his unit ever while under his command.
Unfortunately, (while I think of more current experiences in my life even this month), when he retired to where he had moved his large family back so they could stay in the great church that helped them through the military service time, the church Christians turned on him because of something someone accused/claimed. One person, one something not proven. They were asked to leave the church!
Like me now, they have no church home. No Christian fellowship (Yeah I know, with friends like that who needs enemies?)
God says we need fellowship not ostracism. Believers need understanding not isolationism.
May I never treat others the way I am treated. My apologies to any believer who thinks I have (God says the gospel WILL Offend the evil one.)
So what do you think?
Just shoot me.
