Paper Lace: "Billy, Don't be a Hero"

This is one of two hits by this band in 1974. It tells how Billy joined the Union army and how his girlfriend warned him not to be fool hearty. Listen to the song here.

As Christians, we're in Christ's army. But as 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (Bible in Basic English) explains, we don't fight like worldly armies do. "For though we may be living in the flesh, we are not fighting after the way of the flesh, For the arms with which we are fighting are not those of the flesh, but are strong before God for the destruction of high places); Putting an end to reasonings, and every high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of God, and causing every thought to come under the authority of Christ; Being ready to give punishment to whatever is against his authority, after you have made it clear that you are completely under his control."

And as in any army, dishonourable conduct is to be punished and good conduct commended. We read in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (BBE), "This order I give to you, Timothy my son, in harmony with the words of the prophets about you, so that by them you may be strong, fighting the good fight, Keeping faith, and being conscious of well-doing; for some, by not doing these things, have gone wrong in relation to the faith: Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given up to Satan, so that they may say no more evil words against God."

We also need to help out ministries which feed us with spiritual truth. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:7 (BBE), "Who ever goes to war without looking to someone to be responsible for his payment? who puts in vines and does not take the fruit of them? or who takes care of sheep without drinking of their milk?"

Serving in Christ's army isn't always sunshine and gentle breezes. As Paul also wrote in 2 Timothy 2:3 and 4 (BBE), "Be ready to do without the comforts of life, as one of the army of Christ Jesus. A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army".

If our sacred commander and chief hasn't come by Thursday, I hope to tell you about the world's big ideas and how bad they are.

Saturday Song: Bob Marley, "Fussing And Fighting"

Church unity is one command we followers of Christ failed miserably to keep through the centuries. Instead of heeding what the prophets and apostles have taught, we Christians have interpreted the Bible according to our own wishes. Sadly, this still happens today.

Bob Marley and The Wailers hit that proverbial nail on the head with this poignant song. Listen to it here.

Paul alone had to break up many church fights and factions. In Ephesians 4:1-3 (BBE), he explained why we must be one unified congregation. "I then, the prisoner in the Lord, make this request from my heart, that you will see that your behaviour is a credit to the position which God's purpose has given you, With all gentle and quiet behaviour, taking whatever comes, putting up with one another in love; Taking care to keep the harmony of the Spirit in the yoke of peace."

The church at Corinth was one messed-up congregation. They had every kind of problem we have and then some. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (BBE), telling the congregation to stop all their fussing and fighting. "Now I make request to you, my brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will all say the same thing, and that there may be no divisions among you, so that you may be in complete agreement, in the same mind and in the same opinion."

Along with admonishments for unity, Paul gave the church at Rome instruction on what to do with disruptive congregants. Romans 16:17 (BBE)says, "Now, it is my desire, brothers, that you will take note of those who are causing division and trouble among you, quite against the teaching which was given to you: and keep away from them."

And for unrepentant disrupters, Paul had this to say in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (BBE). "This order I give to you, Timothy my son, in harmony with the words of the prophets about you, so that by them you may be strong, fighting the good fight, Keeping faith, and being conscious of well-doing; for some, by not doing these things, have gone wrong in relation to the faith: Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given up to Satan, so that they may say no more evil words against God."

In all our difficulties with those who teach wrong doctrine or make trouble, we must keep the love of Christ in mind. Disruptive people do need to be dealt with but we must do it in humility.

On Monday, I'll post about Saint Patrick and what we must learn from his example.