What Would Jesus Do?

Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

 

A new era demands a secured anchor in the past.  All things are built upon that which has been.  Biblical wisdom is the one stable and immutable truth that is forever settled in the heavens.  As the world evolves the mind of God remains constant.  Therefore, the matter of prudent defense of self and family would also be contained in the Holy Scriptures.  Cold-blooded murder is a gross abomination in the judicial balances of God, but preservation of self and family God has built into the good common sense of all His creatures. 

Much has been said of “What would Jesus do?”  Well, let us consult Jesus!  Jesus reminds His disciples of the past then warns them of the future.  “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?  And they said, Nothing.  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” (Luke 22:35-36 KJV)  This is Biblical proof of what the Lord Jesus would do.  It is simple and definitive.  Jesus also said, “…whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” (John 12:50)  This is the mind of Jesus and the Father concerning self-defense. 

If the Son of God gave the importance of carrying a weapon for self-defense, which He received from His Father, then can we not understand that bearing arms for self-defense is a God given right and responsibility?  Nowhere in the Bible does it tell the Christians to be dumb little sheep waiting for the slaughter.  Let me be clear, the Bible does not give anyone the liberty to murder others, but the safeguarding of self and family is not murder, it is God ordained self-defense. 

The Christian must do all that is humanly possible to avoid the use of any drastic measure.  Verbal abuse may hurt the pride but it does not imminently threaten life and limb.  Most verbal afflictions can be endured and offer plenty of opportunity for walking away to escape any escalation that would lead to the need of self-defense.  Wisdom dictates this to be the prudent course of action. 

Rarely, the need to exercise measures of defense does occur, but when it does the Christian must rise to the challenge.  Humility coupled with preparation will smooth the feathers of aggression.  Let us not lose sight of the fact that preservation of love ones and self is commanded of God.  To bear arms is a right and a responsibility ordained of God and is instructed by the Son of God.  May we be faithful to God and our duty in the depths of His love and mercy!    This is what Jesus would do.