I remember hearing these words on the evening news on September 11, 2001.  As with so many other things that happened that day, these words are etched indelibly in my memory.  They were spoken by a service man who was reporting to duty at the Pentagon to a civilian as they both watched the Pentagon burning in flames from the unprovoked attack by cowards.  These words were soon to be proven true as our country’s leadership and our service men and women took action to rectify the injustice of the attacks that occurred on that day.

Clearly, our government has the means and responsibility to protect and defend our citizens.  Not only that, we have a responsibility and moral obligation to be instruments of justice when injustice is plainly before us.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome regarding the responsibility and position of civil authorities (Chapter 13):

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.  Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?  Then do what is right and he will commend you.  For he is God’s servant to do you good.  But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.  He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

Although the actions taken by our country to hunt down and neutralize the potential for future threats have been second guessed repeatedly, there was little doubt at that point in history that we were united in our resolve to bring about justice for our fallen.

What about our personal lives?  When is it justified to go to war in our personal lives?  Paul also addressed this in Chapter 12:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord.  On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This passage doesn’t say we cannot or should not defend ourselves and our families, or defend others when we can.  We clearly have the obligation to do that, for living at peace with everyone will not always depend on us.  There may be times when living at peace is just not possible.

But aside from these exceptional times, we are called to be instruments of God’s love.  The model for this is found in 1 John 4: 19-21:

We love because he first loved us.  If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he as seen, cannot love God, who he has not seen.  And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Have there been times at the races when God’s love was not evident?  Sure, there have been a few.  But there are many more times when racers come to the aid and assistance of those in need, and I’m not talking about just loaning tools or equipment, I’ve witnessed many selfless acts of love when a racer needed it the most.

That’s the kind of racer that Jesus Christ has called us to be.

Be blessed and race safe!