On March 10, 2008 I had the privilege of hearing General Colin Powell speak at the Riverside Theater in Vero, Florida. General Powell is a gifted communicator and a skilled diplomat having served as the 65th Secretary of Sate under President George W. Bush. He has been personally involved in many of the major world events in the later part of the twentieth century and the beginning of the 21st. As a patriot and eyewitness to history, General Powell presented his vision of America and the future of the country. My understanding of his remarks is that America is a great country, but she needs a leader who has a vision of the future which is not unlike that of King Arthur's in Camelot. The objective is to sit down with world leaders who are now willing to engage in dialogue. The belief is of a better world tomorrow through peaceful and diplomatic means today. Being a "Reluctant Warrior" does resonate with the human spirit for many Americans do want our present involvement in the foreign military affairs of Iraq to soon end. I know I do. I do not want to sacrifice my son needlessly or the children of any American family to this war in the Middle East.
With that said, while it was proper and just to respond to the 9/11 attacks on America, it is not right, in my opinion, to withhold the available means at our disposal to bring the war to a decisive conclusion. Some of the parallels to the Vietnam experience are valid and worth considering. It seems we learn from history and yet we learn nothing from history. My larger thought while listening to General Powell is that the ultimate solution for peace in the world, a better image and the ability to trade "bullets for butter" is spiritual in nature. A military agenda has profound yet limited ability. A diplomatic solution to the problems of the world is an idealistic thought but unrealistic until the hearts of mankind are changed.
There might be minor progress at moments for certain leaders of this world. Men, like Mikhail Gorbachev, who rise to challenge the direction of their country, taking it from a cold war mentality to economic freedom. However, with all due respect to the military and diplomacy, the safety and security of America and the solution to the problems of the country is in the Lord. There is a familiar promise that could be applied but is not and therein is the concern. The promise is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
In 2 Chronicles 7:13 God has forewarned what He will do to a nation. He will send drought, famine, and pestilence. However, God also has provided a divine blueprint for recovery. So let the church call upon the name of God. Let the church seek His face consciously and collectively. Let the church depart from personal acts of wickedness as the Holy Spirit reveals what grieves Him. Let the church believe that God will listen, will forgive and will heal the land. Spirituality, not diplomacy or military might is the key to a brighter today and a better tomorrow.
