Terrorism is understandably on the minds of many. Will it come to America again? When, where, how?? If it does, what should a Christian do to prepare ahead of time for the possibility, and what should our attitude in general be towards it and the perpetrators?
In every instance of life, if we call ourselves "Christians" (followers of Jesus Christ or Christ-like) then
our response should be the same as His, whether it's a national terrorist attack or a rude person in the grocery store. There are many instances in the ministry of Jesus in which He had to point out to His listeners that just because they called themselves "God's people", (in our case, "Christians") that didn't mean they were
acting like it. In fact, when pointing this out,
the crowds often wanted to kill Jesus! Why? Because He told them things they didn't want to hear, and rather than change and have a godly life, they would rather just kill Him! That is the exact reason many "Christians", churches, and nations have failed to enjoy a life-changing revival - they were unwilling to change.
With that said, here is a list of "Terror-Preparations" which will undoubtedly offend some people, maybe even me! But if we are to enjoy the blessings of a life of Christ-likeness, then we must face, not the reality of terrorism so much as, "the terror of knowing we might not be pleasing God!"
THREE UNSETTLING TRUTHS (You will see why people were so angry with Jesus.) I. Jesus loves the terrorists, and to be His disciples, so must we. I know. I don't want to either. But I know that even as our nation has enemies, I was once an enemy of God, worthy of death and Hell. Jesus died for me. But He also died for them. To be forgiven, I must forgive.
(Mark 11:25) To know God, I must love.
(Luke 6: 27-36) (I John 4:7,8) In a world of anger, hatred, and rage, we must be the ones who show what God's love is really like.
II. Their Salvation must be more important to me, than my desire for their death. Let's face it, if they get saved, they will stop. Are we called to spread judgment and punishment or to make disciples for Jesus Christ? I am talking about a Christian attitude here. It's not my job to create a policy for the USA to deal with terrorism. In fact, I'm not against responding militarily. Governments have the right to pursue and punish terrorists
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3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. (Romans 13:3,4)
It is the government's job to deal with terrorism. It's my job to develop a personal Christian response that will be pleasing to God. My desire, before everything else, must be for the world to be saved. We can be "Patriotic Christians".
Jesus' disciples once wanted to kill His enemies. His response fits our situation...
52 He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke 9:52-56) III. Some people are called to be martyrs for Christ. Before you get all anxious and worried, understand that for some, martyrdom is a "call of God". If one is called they will be given the grace to do it. Peter wrote
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"if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name". (I Peter 4:16)
In Revelation we see clearly some are called
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9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. (Revelation 6:9-11)
I write this, not to say suffering a terrorist attack is good, but that some are in fact called to die for Christ. When they do, as we grieve for them in a Christian way and remember the pain of the loved ones they left behind, we rejoice on a spiritual level for their faith, faithfulness, and love for Him!
COMFORTING TRUTHS AND COMMANDS
IV. We have promises to be free of fear and terror! "In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John.16:33)
We will be witnesses to the world to what Jesus is like, as we live fearlessly in His peace that passes all understanding.
V. Pray for our Leaders, Emergency Responders, Military, the Victims & even
the terrorists. Paul told Timothy that prayer would be the way to bring tranquility and godliness to the world -
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Tim.2:1-4)
IN CONCLUSION Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will keep you in the will of God, and that's the safest place there is. Follow after Love. That is the light of God that promises us protection.
(John 11:8-10) Be at peace. Worry doesn't work anyway.
(Matthew 6:27) 
