Most service members think about spiritual matters during deployment. We take stock of our lives while in the face of death and danger. This time of examination and spiritual questioning is important. Rarely do we stay the same afterward. This time of spiritual searching will frequently send service members in one of two distinct directions. Many gain a stronger relationship with God. Others may question their beliefs and feel spiritually empty.
For those who may be in the later category, I want you to know that it is normal to ask questions about our faith. Spiritual matters are important downrange, when we have returned home, and as we reintegrate into our communities. Everyone is impacted differently by war. We have endured different levels of strife and conflict. We also have different levels of spiritual understanding when we enter the combat zone and when we leave. Regardless of your location or when you served, your faith will be different when you come home.
No matter if your faith has grown or shrunk, it is important that you continue moving forward in your Christian walk. Do not stand still in your faith. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 shares, “rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Every believer, civilian or veteran, needs a spiritual fitness routine. Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness must be practiced. While it is different from going to the gym and lifting weights, the concept is the same. We need to exercise our spiritual muscles in order to grow our faith.
Spiritual fitness can take place in many different ways:
- prayer
- reading scripture
- attending worship services
- seeking spiritual counsel
- fellowship
- meditation
- journaling
This is a small, but important sample of spiritual exercises that you can try. Feel free to try one and gradually combine others to your list. You can also participate in these activities with your family, friends, and a Christian community of believers, adding a greater dimension to your spiritual fitness by increasing your connection to other people.
Spiritual fitness is important to everyone. It draws us closer to God, forms us in the image of Jesus Christ, and allows us to strengthen our faith. Your spiritual fitness also affects your ability to deal with stress and times of crisis. Multiple studies determined that veterans who have an active spiritual practice report fewer and less severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Those who struggled with their faith or felt alienated from God had more severe PTSD symptoms.
Spiritual fitness also reduces anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Studies have also documented how people with a weekly pattern of attending worship services live longer, are healthier, and recover from illness more quickly.
Veterans and service members can take comfort in the transforming power of God. No matter where or when you were deployed, God still cares about you. No matter what you saw downrange or what you did, you can have a redeemed life.
When life seems full of despair, the Lord shares purpose, meaning, forgiveness, and acceptance. Continue to move forward in your faith. Train yourself to be the godly and righteous person you were called to become.
How Should Christians Handle Conflict?
Posted in Devotions, News & Commentary, tagged apostle paul, chaplain, christians, coaching, conflict, discipleship, faith, mentoring, parenting, pastor, resolving conflict on April 23, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Tell me if you have seen this before. People of faith acting like they have no faith. It can happen at work, on the basketball court, or (gasp) even at church.
Here is where we must double down and show that our faith in Christ is alive. We must approach the individual in love, correct the erring brother or sister, and disciple that person toward a stronger walk with the Lord. It is tough work for anyone to mentor or disciple fellow believers. It can be dirty, difficult, and burdensome. But there is a great reward in seeing others strengthen their faith.
Some folks will give you a self-help book or tract on anger management. Perhaps we should point to what has worked well in our past instead of proclaiming a new and better way. We already have a reference manual on conflict, the Bible. We should continue to use the Bible as the foundation of our faith, especially in matters of behavior. It can certainly speak to the need for correction, love, and forgiveness.
The Apostle Paul wrote to several churches that needed guidance in solving conflict and maintaining their Christian walk. Those letters comprise a large part of the New Testament. Jesus even addresses how to approach a sinning brother in Matthew 18:15-17. Another powerful passage is in Luke 17. Here we see the need for brothers and sisters to speak the truth in love and if the erring person repents, we must forgive. The offense and number are irrelevant. We are called to love one another. But keep in mind that any kind of disciplinary procedure should always have restoration of the sinning person as the ultimate goal.
I believe that a Biblical approach in resolving conflict is the best way forward for churches. It creates a transparent environment where people are open with each other, seeks righteous behavior in our world, and conveys Christ.
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