Everywhere I look the battle is in full swing. Right now the brunt of the conflict is being taken and paid by friends and colleagues who work with and for me. Some of the participants have no idea of what is going on around them. They do not see the metaphorical missiles headed towards them and as a result have little chance of avoiding a direct hit. Others are unprepared for this type of extended conflict, they keep expressing the hope that everything will get better. Everyone is looking for the good times to return. But the battle continues and will continue for some time.
I always thought my hair would never go gray. It is very much that way, headed towards white if I am honest, and part of the reason is know exactly what is going on. For example I know the following with certainty.
“Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. When he speaks warmly to you, don’t believe him for a minute; he’s just waiting for the chance to rip you off. No matter how cunningly he conceals his malice, eventually his evil will be exposed in public.” (Proverbs 26.24-26)
I can educate others on how to recognize what is happening to them but I am missing key elements. Knowing is not enough, understanding and believing in response is required of us all! What should you or I do with our insight into the situation?
You can see the enemy coming.
You know exactly what is going to happen.
Even with deceit his or her motives are clear.
Is there ever justification for eliminating someone from the battle? Can one in good conscience met and exact justice when the situation cries out for this response? Are history lessons (Japanese or Italian) the answer?
No, no, and no; please God no. Note that Wisdom’s comment included the promise that evil would reveal itself for action by groups of individuals evaluating the situation together. Our mission remains; compassion, mercy, and love where possible.
