Scripture reading: I John 3:4–10
Total War
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him. (I John 3:8–9)
How much sin should I tolerate in my life? How much is acceptable? After all, we’ll never be fully free of sin in this world, right? So isn’t it natural to conclude that, in small doses, sin is okay? A touch of pride, a smidgen of lust, a small portion of hatred, a sprinkling of selfish ambition . . . that’s permissible, isn’t it?
The Korean conflict (1950–1953) introduced Americans to the concept of “limited war.” President Truman determined that the military objective in this conflict would not be the total destruction of the enemy as it had been during World War II just a few years earlier. Rather, the grand objective would be containment of the Communist North Koreans above the 38th parallel. General Douglas MacArthur, the supreme commander of the United Nations forces, objected strongly to this new concept of war. Wars, he argued, are waged to be won. A stalemate is unacceptable. For MacArthur, a limited war made as much sense as a limited pregnancy! His dispute with the president ultimately cost him his job. Yet many believed that MacArthur, not Truman, saw the truth most clearly. Coming home to a hero’s welcome, MacArthur addressed a joint session of Congress in April of 1951:
Once war is forced upon us, there is no alternative than to apply every avail- able means to bring it to a swift end. War’s very object is victory—not pro- longed indecision . . . In war, indeed, there can be no substitute for victory. [Quoted in American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880–1964]
From a political point of view, we may debate the place of “total war” in a nuclear age. The argument could certainly be made that “containing” the enemy is preferable to a global nuclear holocaust. But from a theological point of view, when it comes to the battle with sin, we must never settle for anything less than total victory. Sin, like cancer, simply cannot be contained. It may retreat and lie dormant for a season. But don’t be fooled. It is only waiting for the opportunity to launch an all-out offensive whose intent is to kill and destroy.
The Bible is crystal clear about the toxic nature of sin: it brings death (Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 5:12; 6:23; James 1:15). Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). With this enemy there can be no compromise. Jesus did not shed his blood and send his Spirit so that sin would be “contained.” The very purpose for which he came was to destroy the works of the devil! Until this purpose is realized, we should recognize that we are called to “total war.”
We are flooded with what I have called “gospels of sin management,”
in one form or another, while Jesus’ invitation to eternal life now
remains for the most part ignored or unspoken. —Dallas Willard
point to ponder • Are you attempting to “contain” and control sin in your life, or are you in an all-out war to destroy it?
prayer focus • For God’s power to give you the wisdom, strength, courage, and power to wage an all-out war against the Evil One who is determined to bring you down.