Fragging

""Fragging is the deliberate killing or attempted killing of a soldier by a fellow soldier, usually a superior officer or non-commissioned officer (NCO). ¹

As I write this, we've been jarred back to the reality of just how hideous war can become. It's always ugly - but when we see the terrified, blank stares of little ones who just want to laugh and play but have suddenly forgotten how; the sobbing daughter throwing herself over her now limp and lifeless father; buildings that were once "home" having become illustrations of the power of bombs; and the endless tears of endless refugees; we wonder how any human could willingly participate in, let alone dictate such vicious crimes against humanity. There are reports of those on the offensive who have chosen to kill their leaders.² Are they really turning on each other rather than fighting the war that their leader demands?

It wouldn't be the first time that soldiers have turned against each other. In fact, during the highly controversial Vietnam War, even U.S. soldiers were known to kill, or attempt to kill superior officers, often with a fragmentation grenade in an attempt to make the killing appear to be from the enemy. It eventually came to be known as "fragging," and has come to mean any attempt to kill fellow soldiers. (Wikipedia) 

It would appear that none of us are immune to the anger and hatred that unravels the strength of a well-trained military. It's not a huge leap to say that believers in Christ are sometimes guilty of "spiritual fragging" - an attempt to divide and destroy those who have also been called to follow hard after our Saviour. I'm reminded of Paul's statement, "...we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12³) We turn against each other, demanding that our opinions carry more weight that anyone else who disagrees with us. We actually go so far as to directly defy scripture when we angrily gossip about and rail against our spiritual leaders. (See Hebrews 13:17 ESV.)

What has caused this? Aberrant theology? Direct disobedience to scripture? Immoral conduct? No, no, and no. Differences of opinion. That's it. Most of the things that have divided Christians and torn churches apart in the last couple years have not been about anything of any consequence in light of the Kingdom of God. We've allowed matters of our own minds to supersede the mind of Christ.

Can we go so far as to say that it's "spiritual fragging," though? Isn't that carrying way too far? 

Dear family of Christ, we're in a battle - a battle against the "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" - and instead, we've turned against each other, slashing our brothers and sisters with words that crush the spirit and destroy our testimony. Most of us have been left with hearts crying out to God for the fellowship we once enjoyed.

We've seen the tears of those whose Christian family members have betrayed them; family that has been so wrapped up in our opinions that we've lost sight of a basic admonition from Jesus - they'll know we're His by our love for one another (John 13:35). We've parroted the enemy of our souls and done the very thing that goes directly against Jesus' words. Instead of making disciples, we've opted for destroying disciples. We've turned on each other in this spiritual battle. 

Please notice that I used myself in that previous two paragraphs - "we." My opinions, my fears, my preoccupations, and my words have been sinful and hurtful. This is my confession. I am truly sorry. This is my prayer that I'll be more like Christ, saying only what the Holy Spirit directs me to say. 

It's also my commitment to pray for my spiritual leaders. They see all of it and feel all of it. They're somehow made to feel responsible if things don't quite go the way we want them to. Do I disagree with them - with you - on some matters? Yes. Is it worth dividing the Body of Christ? Only... only... if it flies in the face of scripture. If some of us feel we need to fellowship elsewhere based on our opinions over, you know, that virus thing (I'm tired of the word), we might roll our eyes about some things, but let's do all we do in grace and love. Enough fragging. It's time to engage in the task to which Christ has called us. Make disciples. 

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¹ "Fragging" (2022, April 5). In Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragging
² Sabbagh , D. (2022, February 25). Mutinous Russian troops ran over their own commander, say western officials. The Guardian. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from TheGuardian.com/world/2022/mar/25/russian-troops-mutiny-commander-ukraine-report-western-officials
³ All passages are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV).