Ask yourself: "Where do I stand on participation in fighting and war? What steps should I take to prepare? What should a person do if they are in the military?

On June 14, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for 2025. This includes a provision to automatically register all eligible men between the ages of 18 and 26 with the Selective Service System, otherwise known as the draft. Draft registration hasn’t been required since 1973. Registering for the draft doesn’t mean immediate military service, but it provides the government with a list of eligible individuals for a possible draft.

Why institute the draft now? 

Britain removed mandatory military service in 1963 and Belgium did so in 1992. Only Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Austria and Switzerland have never abandoned conscription. Germany has been considering reinstating mandatory military service, but it hasn’t been fully implemented yet. The French ended national service in 1997, but it wasn’t universally popular in France. France has reinstated the draft. The move toward mandatory military service is being considered and reinstated by other European nations since the war in Ukraine continues and threats posed by Russia against NATO are a concern.

Why did the U.S. decide to reinstitute draft registration? The decision was driven by several factors. Historically, the Selective Service System (SSS) was established during World War I and has been maintained since then. There are a couple of reasons behind the recent move. The primary purpose of draft registration is to ensure the government has a list of eligible individuals in case of a national emergency or war. Also, tensions around the world make the likelihood of an active war will necessitate a draft.

The official stance of the United Church of God, an International Association, concerning military services and war is as follows:

“We believe that Christians are forbidden by the commandments of God from taking human life directly or indirectly and that bearing arms is contrary to this fundamental belief. Therefore, we believe that Christians should not voluntarily become engaged in military service. If they are involuntarily engaged in military service, we believe they should refuse conscientiously to bear arms and, to the extent possible, refuse to come under military authority (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22; 1 Corinthians 7:21-23; Acts 5:29).” [See full statement at www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-study-aids/fundamental-beliefs-of-the-united-church-of-god/military-service-and-war]

What should a Christian do?

Some are already in military service when they come to the knowledge of God's Truth. They often do not know the godly thing to do, though they wish to obey God. During the time of John the Baptist, people came to him when he challenged them to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Many people came to ask him what they must do: “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). 

When a person who is in the military becomes a true Christian, he is not to harm or do violence to anyone. The meaning of the Greek word here translated violence in the King James Version is translated in most modern versions "to intimidate." That would include violence or any action where any advantage is taken over another person. A Christian could not take part in any action to harm or kill another person.

When a person is in the military they are in servitude to that system. Orders given by superior officers are to be followed. A person in a sense becomes a slave to the officers of higher authority within the military.

The apostle Paul wrote the church in 1 Corinthians 7:21: “Were you a slave when called? Never mind. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity” (Revised Standard Version).

This would also mean one certainly should never join the military. 

Many young men and even women can be subject to a mandatory draft in the event of a national crisis. What should you do in advance of such a crisis? It is advisable to have proof you are conscientiously opposed to war or participation in the military in any manner in case you must appear before a Selective Service Board. One way to do this is to write out a statement of your beliefs and convictions, and mail it to yourself. Keep the envelope sealed when you receive it back; a postal stamp with a date on the envelope shows how long you have held your beliefs in the event of an actual military draft. 

A time is prophesied when no one will learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3). There will be no worries of aggressive nations, no thoughts of the draft, and no more preparations for war. However, until God’s Kingdom comes, we must be vigilant and wise in man’s world. 

This is my perspective.