"Good Vs. Evil"
What some would call a, 'war', I prefer to call a, 'battle'. People tend to glorify all of the tactics and victories, and stress the length of their war. As if the length of a conflict defines its status. Allow me to explain.
Friends, we appear to be doing well in Iraq. If all is and finishes out to be as it seems. I hope and pray that this doesn't drag on as long as it might. I also hope and pray that we don't just desert it, having become involved and fought our battles there, to simply leave and turn it over to be turned into the same kind of place it was before would seem to me an entire waste of time, money, and blood.
In the immediate and close up picture, this is a war comprised of many battles in different geographical venues. I don't dispute this point of view, I merely have an observation, or insight regarding this.
The big picture, or the grand scheme of things would appear entirely different. Evil, is not a sole possession or characteristic of Saddam Hussein. Osama Bin Laden did not have dibbs on it either.
We live in a world and walk through a life full of wickedness and evil. This is the true war. A war fought every day in many ways. Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, the Vietnam Conflict, the names don't effect the facts that each and every one whether classified as, 'war', or not, was/is actually a battle, or many battles, in the, 'war', between good and evil.
We, as human beings, tend to make our current and close struggles monumental. They are huge to us, and most deserve and require our concern and attention. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it's just another battle, big or small, in the war between good and evil.
It can be a socially serious battle, such as our present situation in Iraq. It can be buying a car from a dishonest car salesman. Our, 'War', is against evil. It can take many forms.
I believe, it can even raise its ugly head among us. Relationally speaking. Between husbands and wives, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, friend and friend.
Our divorce rate isn't soaring because it's a fun thing to do. Our young people aren't choosing the streets and crack houses over homes with their parents because of the great accommodations. Friends don't drop friends because they enjoy the hurt and confusion.
Our lives confront evil every day. Not always because we seek it out, but because we live and breathe.
The kicker is to recognize it and to do our very best not to allow evil to steal everything that is good and decent about life. We have to be on our guard, because it is ever present and sneaks in when and where we least expect it.
Do I have all of the answers? I wish I did. Oh God, how I wish they would just come to mind. I will say this, though. Life is a journey, not a destination. We learn as we go, and grow as we go. Life experience is a great teacher. Keeping in mind this awesome word of wisdom.
"The difference between a wise man and a fool, is a wise man learns from his mistakes."
Life is a great classroom, if you're willing to pay attention and do your homework.
