The
first motivator is their religion.
Current Muslims stand on the shoulders of millions of followers of Islam
dating back over 1,200 years to their founder, Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, and
the stories of their faith that have been handed down to each generation.
Historical
accounts show Muhammad engaging in brutality comparable to modern radical
groups. Some experts say 15 to 25
percent of Muslims (180-300 million) would be considered extreme similar to
ISIS or Al-Qaeda. Portions of the Quran
influence their deplorable tactics with passages like “I [Allah] will instill
terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite above their necks and
smite all their finger-tips off them” (Quran 8:12). When bloodshed is driven by a deeply held
religious belief, groups like ISIS do not see their actions as
reprehensible. They consider it
honorable.
The
second motivator is money and power.
What if the money, fame, expanding territory and growth of followers
were all taken away? Would ISIS still
exist? Sometimes people can use religion
as a clever mask for a deeper motivation of personal gain.
The
genuine face of peace in our world of upheaval is Jesus. He did not come for personal gain. He came to show us the one-true God pulling
back the curtain of mystery. Jesus said,
“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father [God]” (John 14:9). Sometimes our religious leaders and
institutions can fall short because they are built upon flawed people. However, when we fix our eyes on Christ we
will never be disappointed.
Jesus
reveals God is not a brutal dictator. He
owns and rules the universe. Religion,
money and power do not motivate Him.
Rather, His purpose is to give.
He showed this most by giving His Son to die on a cross and rise
again. If only we would believe and turn
from our sinful ways. Then peace will
reign in our hearts through His gift of forgiveness. May Jesus be your hope and peace for
today.
