Twenty Years Later
This coming September 11 will mark the 20th anniversary of the bombings of the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, and the heroic downing of United Airlines Flight 93 to prevent terrorists from using the plane as a weapon against the United States. Those of age likely remember exactly where they were upon learning of this harrowing event and have difficulty accepting that enough time has passed that an entire generation knows these things only as historical events. As commemorations take place and multitudes of words are spoken about these tragedies, it provides good opportunity to be reminded of the spiritual lessons that can still be gained two decades later.
1. Enemies seek to strike without warning. None who perished on that fateful day twenty years ago knew their lives would end so tragically. To accomplish this, the enemy clandestinely made plans to maximize the damage with minimal forewarning. The ultimate terrorist employs the same strategy; thus, the apostle Peter warned, “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). One of his most successful tactics is to attack without warning. Sadly, many allow vigilance to slide and suffer the spiritual consequences. As the old admonition goes, it is of extreme importance to “know your enemy.”
2. Familiar things can become effective weapons. The farthest thoughts on air travelers’ minds as they boarded planes on September 11 was that their means of transportation would be weaponized to inflict damage and death. This observation should prove important as one considers how those things in familiar surroundings can become weapons of the devil. A phone used to text and speak gossip, a laptop repurposed into a porn center, a social media account used to slander those both in private and public life are but a few seemingly innocent items that the enemy twists to his advantage. The child of God should note the apostle Paul’s admonition: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you, sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5-6). Those who willingly make themselves targets forfeit the “new self” and resurrect the “old self” who is bent on destruction.
3. Many desire to pass the blame. After a brief period of unity visualized by members of Congress uniting on the Capitol steps to sing “God Bless America,” fingers began to point across the political aisle. Surely the president should have seen this coming, or his staff, or the military, or the CIA and on and on it went. Rather than working together, the desperation felt in the moment looked for someone to take the fall. One need only make it to the third page of the Bible to see this in action in the spiritual realm. After the serpent’s crafty dealings that led to humanity’s first sin, Adam blamed Eve who blamed the serpent (see Genesis 3:11-13). Sinful actions are sometimes blamed on poor parenting, ineffective preaching, derelict elders, or uncaring churches. Sometimes it is even blamed on God who “made me this way.” While fellow-humans can certainly serve as stumbling blocks, each ultimately will stand alone before God: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (II Corinthians 5:10). While others may be judged for being poor examples, each will answer for his or her personal actions.
4. The actions of a few can lead to prejudging many. In the days and years following the September 11 attacks, those of Middle Eastern origin came under suspicion in the minds of many. Sadly, an entire group was transformed into “they” as in “they can’t be trusted.” Such prejudices have a long and sordid history in mankind’s past and are used effectively by Satan. Prejudice leads to hatred which leads one in the opposite direction of the God who is love. Suspicion toward neighbors prevents loving one’s neighbors; thus, “the second great command” is forfeited. God’s people do well to imitate the One who desires for all to be saved!
5. While one cannot know what the day holds, one can know what eternity holds. As that horrific day is discussed in the coming week, all should remember that God has said that, barring His return, all can be certain death is coming. He also makes it abundantly clear one can be certain about eternal destinations. If each child of God lives every day for Him and lives every day like it was his or her last, the fear of death can be swallowed up in eternal optimism. May each one commit this day to those worthy goals.
Events of twenty years ago and of the past week serve as reminders that while the world continues in its present course bad things will happen. While the people of God are saddened by these times of needless bloodshed, none should despair. God is in control!
