Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

The tabula rasa of a new year can give us a sense of optimism and anticipation. We have the opportunity for a fresh start and make the world a better place. As we view the opportunities around us, we also need to be aware of the threats in our world. The recent terrorist attacks are a fresh reminder that we live in a world with people who have evil intent.

I am not a prophet, but I am a student of military history and have been affiliated with the U.S. military for twenty years. After the tragic events of 9/11 the U.S. went on the offensive and we took the fight to the terrorists. After our ignominious withdrawal from Afghanistan we left the people who supported us at the mercy of the terrorists. These were people who trusted us and we abandoned them.

Afghanistan is now a training ground for a number of terrorist groups and they are diligently training to attack the west. We are now on the defensive and we must be successful at preventing every terrorist threat, whereas the terrorist only needs to succeed once. Over the past four years we’ve had an open border and over ten million illegal aliens have entered the country – no doubt there are people who have entered who seek us harm.

A recent New York Times editorial noted, “The killing of 14 people on New Year’s Day in New Orleans was the latest sign of a resurgence in radical Islamist terrorism. Some of the attacks — like the one last week — seem to have been merely inspired by ISIS, the network of groups that are offshoots of Al Qaeda. In other cases, ISIS groups played an active role in the planning.” The terrorists have clear goal – the destruction of Israel and western society. Here is a brief list of ISIS inspired attacks over the past several years:

A suicide bombing at the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed 13 U.S. troops and roughly 170 civilians in August 2021.
The stabbing of six people at a supermarket in New Zealand in September 2021.
A mass shooting in Oslo, apparently targeting L.G.B.T. Pride events, that killed two people and wounded 21 in June 2022.
The fatal shooting of two Swedish soccer fans in Brussels in 2023.
A bombing in eastern Iran that killed about 100 people.
The killing of a worshiper at a Catholic church in Istanbul by two gunman last January.
A mass shooting at a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed 145 people and injured more than 500 last March.
The fatal shooting of six people near a Shiite mosque in Oman last summer.
A foiled plot to bomb a Taylor Swift concert last summer in Austria that the authorities believe could have killed hundreds.
The fatal stabbing of three people at a festival in western Germany in August.
Attacks in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Niger, Pakistan and Syria that together have killed hundreds of people.

The question is not if, but when will be the next attack? The New Year’s day in New Orleans was a fresh reminder that radical terrorists exist in America. We are not to be fearful, but the Apostle Paul enjoined us to be on the alert. The phrase be on the alert means to be watchful and to be in a state of readiness and vigilance. This is the word Jesus used as He exhorted His disciples to be ready for His return. We need to be people who demonstrate situational awareness. Are you aware of your surroundings? If you’re in a crowded area do you know where the nearest escape is located? When you’re walking down the street is your head down looking at your phone or are you aware of your surroundings? Eternal vigilance is the price of lliberty.

Louis Pasteur wrote that “Chance favors the prepared mind.” How would you respond if terrorists took out the power grid and you had no electricity? We must be people who are prepared. It is better to build a fence at the top rather than a hospital at the bottom. Flavius Vegetius Renatus warned his fellow citizens, Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum (Let him who desires peace prepare for war).

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)