TRACING THE ROOTS OF WAR

Romans 5:12-15
12 Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the One to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

A glance at a history book is all it takes to know that war has been humanity's persistent companion for many millennia. The 20th century with its grisly conflicts over ideology, religion, and colonialism may be behind us, but as events in Iraq showed all too clearly, war is still around. In 2002, according to Worldwatch Institute, a total of 45 wars and violent conflicts were raging around the globe, with a cumulative cost of more than 7 million lives.

It takes just a glance at the Bible to see where the roots of war come from--one man's decision to disobey God. When Adam sinned, wars began. Humanity vs. God wars; husband vs. wife wars; mother vs. daughter wars; father vs. son wars; and nation vs. nation wars are results of Adam and Eve's attempt to live apart from God.

Paul reminded us that this one man, Adam, brought death to everyone through his sin. Therefore, all death--by war, violent crimes, or natural and accidental causes--can be traced back to the decision of our first parents to disobey God.

There are little conflicts raging in the hearts of people all around the globe. The cumulative cost is the loss of the most precious relationship in the world--peace with God. Though the war was waged and is raging in the lives of people all around the world due to one man's disobedience, the conflict can be resolved through one Man's obedience, thereby giving life and peace to many. By faith in Jesus, God gives us those indescribable gifts.

To maintain the life and peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus, we must submit to the power of the Holy Spirit each day (Galatians 5:16-18). We must let Him win the personal wars of sexual immorality, impure thoughts, idolatry, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions--and all other cravings of our sinful nature--through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* Have I experienced peace with God through faith in Jesus? When did I receive Him as my Savior?
* As a Jesus-follower, what is my most intense spiritual conflict right now?
* How can I submit to the Holy Spirit more this week?

LINKS:
Finding Peace In A World Of Racial Conflict

bottom line: The roots of peace are nourished in faith.

soul journey