"War, Good God, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Say it again...." These opening lyrics to Edwin Star's protest song of the early '70's has a point. I know some could talk about principles, stemming the tide of facism or evil or oppression. I know the "fight for freedom" and democracy speeches. And I suppose I concur with those arguments.
But as I read today's passage, I wonder if in the long run, following God's law of loving Him and loving others ultimately wins out. How much tension and turmoil could be eliminated if we would abide by these 2 simple commands. Jesus said all the other laws of God and the prophets could be fullulled if we would just love God and love others with our total being.
Today on Memorial Day, I'm thinking of the countless young men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Thousands of white crosses and marble marrkers stretch out over the countryside. My mind wonders how many mass graves around the world are filled with enemy combatants and innocent lives. My heart breaks for those families, mothers, fathers, young wives, sons and daughters on both sides who lost their loved ones defending their cause.
If we could only learn to love God and love others. I mean really love. Suppose with all our energy we demonstrated love to the people around us, whether enemies or friends. What if we really did what Jesus called us to do? Would there be any tension? Would there be selfishness? Would there be terse words or arguments? Would there be divorce or rampant crime or people going hungry? Would there be war? What if ...? I may not be able to change the world, but I can make a difference in the world around me. God, I really want to love you and love others.
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