"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum."

While listening to the radio, the other day at work, I heard a quote that as a History major I have heard and read many times. I had even posted it on FaceBook the other day. The quote was "Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." which translated is "if you want peace, prepare for war" by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus. So very true not only in real life but in our spiritual walk also!

As I sat thinking of this from a secular point of view I can remember many leaders, both civilian and military that knew this so well. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, General Ulysses S. Grant, General George Patton, President Ronald Reagan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many others. One leader that immediately came to mind was President Theodore Roosevelt. He stated the premise of Vegitius' quote in his famous saying "Talk softly and carry a big stick". While many consider
this view to be arrogant it has lead to many years of peace for the U.S. while walking the thin line between being prepared and not being prepared. There have been several times in our country's history that we have strayed from these concepts and as a result we as a nation were dragged into a war defending ourselves from aggressors that wanted what we or other freedom loving peoples had. It has been proven over and over throughout history that those that are prepared and willing to defend their freedom will have peace.

Not only do I feel this is important for our country today, I feel it is important to us in our spiritual walk also. It seems like every day the last several weeks I have been drug into a "war" by Satan and his attacks, at work, home, church and in the lives of my family. Some days I have been prepared and others I have not.

"If you want peace, prepare for war" is equally sound for our Christian walk. While we do not take up physical arms we are in a war, a spiritual war. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 "12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens." As in one of my first blogs "Putting on the Armour" we have to "prepare for war" by prayer, studying God's word and trusting in the direction of the Holy Spirit. This is a winner take all, no holds barred fight that we are in, against Satan and his forces, and if we want peace, God's peace, then we must prepare for war. As Teddy probably told his Rough Riders as they prepared for war, "Saddle up!"

Freedom of Speech

Last week the Supreme Court ruled on a case that I think will have long lasting implications. Now whether those implications will will be positive or negative, have yet to been seen. The case I am referring to involved the Westboro Baptist Church and the father of a fallen Marine, and revolves around the issue of Free Speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Before I go any further let make it clear, I do not agree with, or feel the Westboro church and their members are in the right in their actions. I think those actions DO NOT represent Jesus Christ and His church. They, in my opinion, have brought a bad name to not only Baptists but Christians as a whole.

After saying this. I have pondered the fact that the High Court voted 8-1 that the Westboro church has the right to say what they want under protection of the First Amendment. Upon much consideration I have to agree with the the Court, and while I feel Westboro is in the wrong they do have the right to say and speak as they see fit. This is what the First Amendment was written for. As I have said while I don't agree with the actions Westboro, if they are not allowed to exercise their free speech rights then one day we may not be able to either. If we as free men cannot speak for or against issues we feel may have an affect on our lives, especially as Christians, then we as a nation and a people are in grave danger.

One aspect of the decision does give me hope though. As a result of this ruling our pastors and Churches will be given protection (I hope and pray) to speak out against issues that run contrary to our Christian beliefs. If Westboro can speak out against groups and/or issues that are controversial, and be protected then we should be also. This will also give Christian based legal firms very firm ground to stand on when protecting our fellow brothers and sisters against those who oppose the church.

While I do not like everything I hear, I will stand up for the freedom to to speak that way. As a Christian I should and will try to let Christ guide and direct what and how I say something. The old adage of "think before speaking" is true. We should always consider if our speech or actions are going to bring glory or scorn to Christ. Also this attitude should be present when responding to speech directed at me. I feel this is how our founding fathers were divinely inspired and directed when they wrote our Constitution and it's first 13 amendments.



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