In a previous blog ("Who is Paying the Price For My Security?" April 30, 2008) I mentioned that the United States' defense budget is greater than what the next 25 nations in rank combined spend on defense. I also noted that the war in Iraq has cost us approximately half a trillion dollars. I offered these statistics to make the point that I believe we would greatly improve our standing internationally and make the world a safer place if we refocused our spending on food for the hungry, medical assistance, education and diplomacy instead of war. Doing so would also align our foreign policy with what Jesus taught about dealing with enemies.
Someone responded with the following comment: "Even a half trillion spent on hunger, education, medical assistance and diplomacy wouldn't be enough to satisfy our critics or our enemies. Do you really believe the U.S., by simply being more charitable, would suddenly be welcomed with open arms by our enemies? If so, then exactly how much is enough to accomplish this? What is the magic number?"
It is a fair and thought provoking question. How much would it cost to make our enemies our friends? After much thought and calculation I think I have the magic number. To make our enemies our friends it will cost each of us everything we've got and the remainder of our time on earth. Nothing short of an 'all in' approach to peacemaking will cut it. Motivated by his great love, Jesus, gave up everything he had to lay down his life for us. He calls us to follow in his steps and do the same. I believe it can be done.
If we reject his teaching and continue thinking that laying it all on the line for peace is too great a price to pay, we can expect more of the same--ongoing conflicts and very costly wars that everyone loses. We'll spend a half trillion dollars here, suffer multiplied thousands of casualties there and endure endless cycles of fear and violence for a false and transcient sense of security we'll only briefly enjoy.
Peacemaking isn't cheap. But, as Jesus said, those who are peacemakers are blessed--they are called sons and daughters of God (Matthew 5:9). I'll leave it up to those who prefer to bomb and shoot their enemies to figure out whose children they are.
