Keeping a Firearm for Protection

In harmony with Micah 4:3, God's people "beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears."  This identifying trait of true Christians harmonizes with the apostle Paul's exhortation:  "Return evil for evil to no one. . . . If possible, as far as it depends on you,  be peaceable with all men."  (Romans 12:17, 18)   Despite the many troubles that Paul experienced, including "dangers from robbers," he lived by his words, never putting personal security above Spiritual principles.  (2 Corinthians 11:26)  Instead, he trusted in God and in the wisdom found in his Word-wisdom that "is better than weapons of war." -Ecclesiastes 9:18. 

Christians consider life to be far more valuable than material things.  "Life does not result from the things [a man] possesses."  (Luke 12:15) Thus, if a mild tongue fails to stop an armed robber, wise Christians heed the principle embodied in Jesus' words:  "Do  not resist the one who is wicked."  It may even require that we give up our inner and outer garments, so to speak.  (Matthew 5:39, 40;  Luke 6:29)  The best strategy, of course, is prevention. If we shun "the showy display of [our] means of life" and are known by our neighbors as peace-loving Witnesses of Jehovah, we may avoid being targeted by violent criminals.-1 John 2:16; Proverbs 1 8:10. 

Christians respect others' consciences.  (Romans 14:21)  If it became known that a member of the congregation kept a gun for protection against humans, some believers might be shocked, even stumbled. Love moves us to put other's interests ahead of our own, even when that means putting aside what we may feel is a legal right. -1 Corinthians 10:32, 33;13:4, 5. 

Christians strive to be exemplary.  (2 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) After receiving Scriptural counsel, a Christian who continues to keep a gun for protection against other humans could not be considered exemplary.  He would therefore not qualify for responsibilities or special privileges in the congregation.  The same applies to a Christian who continues to carry a firearm as part of his secular work.  How much better to seek other employment!" 

How a Christian chooses to protect himself, his family, or his possessions is, of course, largely  a personal matter, as is his choice of employment.  That said, Bible principles reflect God's wisdom and his love for us. Out of regard for those principles, spiritually mature Christians choose not keep a firearm for protection against other humans.  They know that the true and lasting security comes to those who demonstrate trust in God by living in harmony with Bible principles. -Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 1:33; 2:6, 7.  

Next time: May He . . .Give Success to All Your Plans

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