Germany and the allies fought to the death. And anyone who capitulated with the enemy, on either side, was shot dead where he stood. I mention this because there are places where compromise is not an option to either side of a war. There are those who are given as ambassadors to present an offer of peace between the forces. But for the most part, compromise is never a welcome ally in war. And a soldier on the ground, in battle, should never compromise.
It is said to us that we do not war against flesh and blood in the propagation of the Gospel of the Lord. But we war against things unseen. However when we are presented with those moments of non-compromise it is astounding to witness how hard a rock the human heart can become.
Now, I don’t understand all the dynamics of that spiritual warfare. What I do know is that when I encounter a hardened heart it is to a man that I address my words.
There are some who absolutely refuse to surrender any morsel of ground in their rebellion. And I find these sort in the camp of atheists. I have made up my mind to be quite brisk with them. It does not do either of us any good to patronize the other. We are of vastly different fathers. Though Jesus teaches me to try to inject reason, I find their responses quite vile and insulting. They are on the attack because they think they have something to gain by waging war against God’s people. It as if they are pure animal now. And having smelled blood they will stop at nothing to kill what is true and pure.
You think this is too harsh a statement against them? I don’t. I have had enough encounters to solidify my understanding. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” And who can bring reason to a fool?
What is odd about their stance is that they will certainly give account of themselves. They refuse to listen to reason yet they accuse God’s people of that very crime. It’s a done deal with me. No more kumbaya with atheists. From now on I will point them to the Lord. They argue with me to no effect. So why argue at all? Not one encounter with them has proven profitable. Not one. No more compromising language. No copitulation with the godless.
I will gladly speak to you who hold God so in such a vulgar contempt so as to say He does not exist. But do not expect a warm welcome here. By your choice, I will say it again, by your choice we are at war.