Military Service and the Christian

Can a disciple of Jesus serve in the military?  As with all things we must look to the Scriptures for the answer.  Let us put off the question of those who may be drafted or those who come to faith in Christ (as I did) while in the military for now.

A few years ago, I was speaking with a young man who planned to volunteer for the Army.  This boy called himself a Christian and attended a Pentecostal/Charismatic church regularly.  Though one might question the sound-mindedness of one who wanted to be part of a CBW (chemical/biological warfare) unit (I can't imagine wanting to wear those suits!), the issue of Christians serving the military is rarely addressed outside of the historic peace churches (Mennonite, Quaker, etc.).   As I questioned him about the wisdom of his decision and the need to obey Christ, I ran into that strange phenomena that all too often rears its head in Christian circles, --the "I don't care what the Bible says - I know this is God's will for me" syndrome.  Now, it is plain that no one who calls Jesus Lord in truth and believes the Bible is the Word of God can take such a position.  As disciples of the Lord Jesus we must always be ready to listen to His words.   He said His words are Spirit and Truth.  He said His words will never pass away.  Those who place their faith in their own impressions or the utterances of contemporary prophets and apostles rather than test all things by His Word, will soon find that they have departed from the straight and narrow to chase will-o-the-wisps in a swamp filled with quicksand, alligators, and poisonous snakes.

So, what do the the Scriptures say?

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Cor 6:19,20)

You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Corinthians 7:23)

You do not belong to yourself, you belong another, and have no right to sell yourself.  Since you belong to Christ Jesus and not to yourself, you have no right to give your allegiance or loyalty to another.

Then Jesus *said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)

John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."

The disciples of Jesus are forbidden to take of the sword.   Though God allows the State the power of the sword in the kingdoms of this world for the restraint of evil, we are not of this world and our kingdom is not of this world.   Our citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven.  We are here in the role of ambassadors for Christ.   Our only weapon is the sword of the Spirit.  We have no right to take up the sword of war until our King comes in power and He takes up the sword.  If we join in the warfare of this world we only serve the god of this world.  We belong to another kingdom and another King.  We cannot pledge loyalty to the kings of this world without betraying the King of Heaven.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24)

For those who find themselves in the military because they did not realize what they were doing when they signed up or found the Lord while in the military:

Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Cor 7:20-23)

If you are able to become free, do so.  At the least, you ought to inform those in authority over you that you now serve a different master and are no longer citizens of this world or nation.  No longer can you render unconditional obedience.

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men.(Acts 5:29)

Generally, the military has no use for those who march to a different drummer.   As long as they command nothing contrary to the Lord Jesus, -obey them.  If they command what is contrary, -obey Christ.  If you make this clear to them you are less likely to find yourself being ordered to do what Jesus forbids or to stop doing what He commands.  (Though you may find yourself scrubbing latrines, -personal experience)

To those who may face the draft.  Obey Jesus.  Explain to the authorities where your citizenship is and your loyalty lies.  Explain it is impossible for you to take an oath pledging obedience and loyalty to anyone other that Jesus Christ.  Explain that you are under orders to love your enemies.  Use it as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ.  Obey Christ and refuse to take any oath. 

"Do not resist evil, but overcome evil with Good." And lastly, count the cost now!  Make up your mind to follow Jesus no matter what the price.   Go back and read again Jesus' warnings to those who set out to follow Him.   Know that His road is the road to Calvary and the cross.