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Need wisdom
lilitalienboi16:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Is it wrong to join a military branch as a doctor who would do no combat or play any roll in killing in order to take advantage of excellent programs that pay for my medical schooling and provide me with monthly allowance over the course of my education? I would be required to serve anywhere from 4-8 years when I am finished but in a non combat (healer) role.
I need guidance. I am praying about this fervently and am leaning towards taking federal loans to pay for my education as I currently I feel it would still be wrong even as a non combat personal to join the military because I would be aiding a system that exists to kill (and defend).
Anyone have wisdom on the matter?
In Christ,
Alex
Extol:
Dear Alex,
This is something I have pondered before myself. I haven't considered joining the military, but I've wondered if it is acceptable in God's eyes to be employed by the military as a cook, or a mechanic, or a chaplain, or a doctor.
On one hand, there is this verse: "Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" (2 Chronicles 19:2). On the other hand, we are to provide for our families, and maybe for some fathers and husbands, the military is their only job opportunity. Also, even if you are a civilian doctor, you'll surely be helping some wicked people who hate the Lord. Not all your patients will be saints. So what is the balance? I do not know.
Like you, I am leaning towards federal loans. After reading your post and praying for wisdom, I found an old e-mail from Ray. A person was asking for advice regarding her boyfriend who drinks and smokes. At the end of the e-mail, Ray says:
So there, briefly, is what the Scriptures say regarding wine and strong drink, but your situation will have to be evaluated by you. Ask God to guide you in ALL YOUR DECISIONS IN LIFE.
I realize that your problem is no smaller now than before you wrote to me, but maybe there is some wisdom here for you to consider. Let me just say this: Character flaws that have the potential to escalate over time, will drive away any strong romantic attractions that you are feeling NOW. (all caps are Ray's.)
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,13798.0.html
Even though it was a different situation than yours, this part stood out to me...especially the last line, about character flaws escalating and driving away romantic attractions. I think we might apply your situation here, with the military taking the place of the would-be husband. The character flaws (i.e., the military exists to kill and defend) have the potential to escalate over time, and it might not be worth the present romantic attractions (i.e., having your education paid for.) It's very possible--maybe even probable--that at some point, there is going to be a conflict of interest...especially if you're required to serve for 4-8 years. That's a long time for things to potentially escalate. But if God does lead you down that path, He is able to protect you from evil and provide for your family. If I had a similar conundrum, I would prefer the burden of debt over the burden of being stuck in a sticky situation I couldn't get out of for several years. God-willing, you would get paid well as a doctor, and be able to make all of your debt payments. But above all, as Ray said, ask God to guide you in ALL decisions of your life, and He will do so. 8)
lilitalienboi16:
--- Quote from: Extol on December 08, 2014, 02:06:31 PM ---Dear Alex,
This is something I have pondered before myself. I haven't considered joining the military, but I've wondered if it is acceptable in God's eyes to be employed by the military as a cook, or a mechanic, or a chaplain, or a doctor.
On one hand, there is this verse: "Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" (2 Chronicles 19:2). On the other hand, we are to provide for our families, and maybe for some fathers and husbands, the military is their only job opportunity. Also, even if you are a civilian doctor, you'll surely be helping some wicked people who hate the Lord. Not all your patients will be saints. So what is the balance? I do not know.
Like you, I am leaning towards federal loans. After reading your post and praying for wisdom, I found an old e-mail from Ray. A person was asking for advice regarding her boyfriend who drinks and smokes. At the end of the e-mail, Ray says:
So there, briefly, is what the Scriptures say regarding wine and strong drink, but your situation will have to be evaluated by you. Ask God to guide you in ALL YOUR DECISIONS IN LIFE.
I realize that your problem is no smaller now than before you wrote to me, but maybe there is some wisdom here for you to consider. Let me just say this: Character flaws that have the potential to escalate over time, will drive away any strong romantic attractions that you are feeling NOW. (all caps are Ray's.)
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,13798.0.html
Even though it was a different situation than yours, this part stood out to me...especially the last line, about character flaws escalating and driving away romantic attractions. I think we might apply your situation here, with the military taking the place of the would-be husband. The character flaws (i.e., the military exists to kill and defend) have the potential to escalate over time, and it might not be worth the present romantic attractions (i.e., having your education paid for.) It's very possible--maybe even probable--that at some point, there is going to be a conflict of interest...especially if you're required to serve for 4-8 years. That's a long time for things to potentially escalate. But if God does lead you down that path, He is able to protect you from evil and provide for your family. If I had a similar conundrum, I would prefer the burden of debt over the burden of being stuck in a sticky situation I couldn't get out of for several years. God-willing, you would get paid well as a doctor, and be able to make all of your debt payments. But above all, as Ray said, ask God to guide you in ALL decisions of your life, and He will do so. 8)
--- End quote ---
Dear Jesse,
What a wonderful response. Thank you so much brother. There are many logistical nitemares with this move but God will keep me no matter the path. He will provide. Ray's words were spot on too. I will continue to pray about this but I do agree about the burden of debt over a sticky situation though as you also pointed out, even outside the military I would get stuck with helping wicked people too. Sigh, this is so difficult, I want to serve God wholly and faithfully but I need to provide for my family. What a straight and narrow road we walk.
God bless you brother,
Alex
Craig:
I was in the military in my twenties, and if I had to live my life over I would not change a thing.
Craig
octoberose:
Hi Alex,
As you may know, my husband retired from the military chaplaincy three years ago after 27 years so my perspective is from a lot of experience. It is not too much to say that military doctors have not only kept my family well but saved my life and the life of my child. It's also true that a better doctor in some circumstances could have made our lives better.
I don't know what God will lead you to do- He surely leads in ways we don't expect. I will tell you that a doctor is first and foremost a soldier (assuming we're talking about the Army), then they are an officer and then they are a doctor. 90% of your job will be that doctor part, but it will be under the umbrella of the military and then as an officer. If wearing that uniform and towing that line is not something you can do, then you'll be miserable.
Yes, you would be a noncombatant but even more than that in a conflict situation you will probably be called upon to take care of at the 'enemy'. That's kind of a great thing if you think about . Many times in Kosovo my husband would make sure that the captured injured soldier on the other side was treated well and tended to- and they always were.
So, God bless your heart as you seek His will. i have always thought that being a doctor is living a sacrificial life for the good of others and I'm so proud of you.
Patricia
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