Pacifists are naturally nonviolent
There is an underlying feeling, at least from what I’ve seen, that nonviolence is something that comes naturally for some. The idea is for a certain group of people. It’s good to have a portion of society that ministers nonviolence and advocates for diplomacy, but that is for the Amish, or those Mennonites. They grow up that way. They train their children up in that way. But that doesn’t work for those who live in the real world on day to day. That doesn’t keep our families and country safe. “I can’t be a pacifist. I need to keep my home safe.”
Again, I cannot speak for all pacifists out there. I can only present myself, really. But I for one am quite inclined to live the hero-in-the-movies life. I’ve always wanted to be the valiant protector, the war hero. I always envisioned myself defending the lives of my wife and kids against an intruder by whatever means necessary, even shooting to kill. I have always been pulled toward redemptive violence.
But I choose the way of Christ. I have to make the conscious decision, every day, at every turn, to do as Christ did and said. Maybe that day will come when it’s all instinct, all just embedded into my mind and body so I’ll automatically go the way of peace. Regardless, the way of nonviolent resistance is the way of Christ. For his followers there are no other options. And this way of peace does not come naturally. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
Back in October 2006 (wow…it’s been almost two years) in Lancaster County, PA, the Amish community had a choice to make. What were they going to do about Charles Carl Roberts IV? How would they honor and respect those young girls that died by this man’s doing? A good 30 or so attended Mr. Roberts’ funeral. Then they gave an undisclosed contribution to Marie Roberts, mother of three and widow of the killer.
That is Christ my friends. That is the gospel.
Even the Amish, who are well known for there nonviolent ways, need to make a choice when the time comes. But what I’ve learned, and this can be seen so clearly in the example of the Amish community, if we have the mentality of peace first and last—of nonviolence as the only option—then making the right choice comes easier and easier over time. That choice may be the most difficult one you ever experience and suffer through, but that is the price we paid when we said, “Yes, Lord,” picked up our cross and followed him.
