I have been saying for some time that the condition of this world cannot be understood merely through politics, economics, and military strategy. Behind the confusion of nations is a spiritual conflict—a warfare between truth and deception, righteousness and wickedness, the kingdom of God and the powers of darkness.
The roots of that conflict reach back to Satan’s rebellion against God. Scripture identifies him as the deceiver of the whole world:
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” — Revelation 12:9
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil showed Him “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.” Satan then offered Him a bargain:
“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9
Jesus did not debate with Satan. He did not negotiate for a better arrangement. He answered:
“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10
That same temptation still operates in the hearts of men. I am not suggesting that Satan physically appeared before President Trump—or any other president—and offered him the kingdoms of the world. I am saying that the temptation remains the same: power without righteousness, victory without obedience, and greatness without God.
Satan does not always appear with horns and a pitchfork. Sometimes he comes dressed in patriotism, political promises, military necessity, national security, and religious language. He whispers that the end justifies the means. He convinces leaders that innocent lives may be sacrificed if the cause is declared noble enough. He tells nations that domination is strength and mercy is weakness.
The serpent’s first recorded temptation contained the promise:
“Ye shall be as gods.” — Genesis 3:5
That promise has never been withdrawn. Men still desire to become gods over nations, determining who shall live, who shall die, which country shall prosper, and which city shall burn.
Promises That Did Not Come True
I have written repeatedly about what I believed would happen in the war with Iran. We were led to believe that the war would be quick, decisive, and victorious. We were told that Iran would be devastated and unable to respond. We were assured that the interruption of oil supplies would be temporary and that the cost would remain manageable.
Those promises have not matched reality.
The conflict has continued for months. Attempts to pause the fighting have repeatedly broken down. Iran has continued responding, the war has spread into neighboring countries, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, and oil prices have risen. On August 2, President Trump announced another proposed halt to American strikes while negotiations proceed, but the agreement is not yet final. Therefore, we should be cautious about declaring peace before peace has actually arrived. Associated Press
The Bible warns us:
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:3
Some of the earlier claims may have been failed predictions rather than deliberate lies. We cannot know every person’s motives. Nevertheless, when leaders repeatedly make confident promises that prove false, the public has both a right and a responsibility to question them.
I have been amazed by how readily people accept the government’s account without examining the evidence. It is one thing to trust; it is another thing to surrender our God-given discernment. Scripture does not command us to believe every political official. It tells us:
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21
A Threat Does Not Explain the Whole Story
People tell me, “Iran threatened America, so America had to respond.”
Iranian leaders have certainly used hostile and hateful language against the United States. That language should be condemned. But before accepting it as sufficient justification for a prolonged war, we should examine the history, the circumstances, and the actions of every party.
The slogan “Death to America” became prominent during the 1979 Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis. However, it should not be described as a statement from Khomeini’s “inauguration speech,” because he did not assume office through a conventional presidential inauguration. The slogan was popularized by the revolutionary movement and has since been repeatedly used by Iranian officials and demonstrators.
None of that makes the Iranian government innocent. It has oppressed its own people, supported armed groups, threatened neighboring nations, and spoken wickedly against America. But condemning Iran’s wrongdoing does not require us to approve everything our own government does.
Jesus taught us to apply the same moral standard to ourselves that we apply to others:
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
America has threatened Iran and carried out those threats. Iranian leaders have been killed, and military strikes have damaged roads, bridges, power facilities, railways, and other infrastructure. Reports also claim residential neighborhoods and water facilities have been struck. Direct attacks against civilian objects are prohibited under the laws of war unless those objects meet the strict definition of military objectives. International Committee of the Red Cross
It would be inaccurate to say there has never been any Iranian-linked terrorist plot or hostile activity connected to America. There have been allegations and documented concerns involving Iranian agents and affiliated organizations. But Iran has not invaded the continental United States with soldiers, aircraft, or armies. That distinction matters.
A threat should be taken seriously, but threatening words alone cannot become a blank check for unlimited warfare. North Korea has also repeatedly threatened the United States. Must we therefore attack North Korea and reduce its cities to rubble?
If that becomes our standard, there will never be an end to war.
The Terrible Lesson of Korea
During the Korean War, American forces carried out an enormous bombing campaign against North Korea. General Curtis LeMay later said:
“Over a period of three years or so, we killed off—what—20 percent of the population.”
That quotation is authentic, although the 20-percent figure was LeMay’s estimate rather than an independently established census total. He also acknowledged that American bombing burned down virtually every town in North Korea. LeMay quotation and historical discussion
Whether the exact percentage was ten, fifteen, or twenty does not change the moral horror. Millions of ordinary people suffered. Homes were destroyed, cities were burned, and families were buried beneath the ruins.
We must never call such destruction righteous merely because our country carried it out.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” — Isaiah 5:20
I love my country, but loving America does not require me to call every American action righteous. In fact, genuine love requires us to speak when our nation is traveling down the wrong road.
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34
That verse applies to Iran. It applies to North Korea. It applies to Israel. And, whether we like it or not, it applies to the United States of America.
The Familiar Machinery of Fear
Since September 11, 2001, we have seen a familiar pattern repeated:
First, the people are frightened. Then the government promises protection. Enormous amounts of public money are transferred to military contractors and other interests benefiting from the crisis. Finally, anyone who questions the official account is branded unpatriotic, disloyal, or sympathetic to the enemy.
Not every crisis is manufactured, and not every official is deliberately deceiving us. There are genuine threats in this world. Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens. Nevertheless, fear can be used to silence questions and gather power.
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” — Proverbs 14:15
The Christian must not allow fear to replace discernment. Neither the Iranian government nor the American government deserves the unquestioning allegiance that belongs to God alone.
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” — Psalm 118:8–9
Broad Is the Way
Jesus warned:
“Broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” — Matthew 7:13
The broad road is popular because it requires no repentance. It permits hatred as long as hatred is directed toward an official enemy. It permits killing as long as the government calls it necessary. It permits deception as long as the lie is wrapped in the flag. It allows preachers to bless warfare while ignoring the Prince of Peace.
But the way of Christ is different.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
The devil offers nations power through domination. Jesus offers a kingdom established through truth, righteousness, sacrifice, and love. Satan promises the kingdoms of this world in exchange for worship. Jesus calls us to take up the cross.
The devil’s work can be seen wherever truth is sacrificed for power, innocent people are treated as expendable, hatred is cultivated, and violence becomes the first answer instead of the last resort.
The question is not whether Iran is righteous. It is not.
The question is not whether America has enemies. It does.
The question is whether Christians will judge every nation by the same righteous standard—or whether we will excuse evil whenever our own government commits it.
I refuse to bow before the gods of political power, military glory, or national pride. My allegiance belongs first to Jesus Christ. Presidents come and go. Empires rise and fall. But the kingdom of our Lord shall stand forever.
“For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.” — Psalm 22:28
America does not need another broad road to war. We need repentance, truth, humility, and the courage to make peace.
That may not be the popular message—but it is the message this old country preacher feels compelled to proclaim.
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