Christians and Weapons (Guns).

Christians and Guns:  What do you think?
Should Christians be armed? 
Should Christians enlist in the armed forces?

These and other questions are faced every day by believers who declare Christ as their Lord and Savior.  This problem I encountered among some of my fellow church goers as I enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1971.
Some said that a Christian shouldn't bear arms.  Others said that if I went in, it should be as a (concientious objecter) assigned to duties where I would not bear arms.  That was unacceptable to me, and recalling the example of our (for the most part) Christian Founders, I ignored the advice of my fellow church goers.  Thankfully, I never was in a position to use lethal force, and for that I thank my God.

My personal beliefs, as both a Christian and an American, if called upon I would fight and pay whatever price necessary to uphold the Constitution that guarantees our freedoms, our inalienable rights for which I and every military person swore to defend.
After honorable military service, I decided to be a California Peace Officer.  At my oral interview, the issue about my religious beliefs were again raised by the interviewing panel.  "What if you had to use lethal force?  In view of your religious background, could you?"  My answer was that I would exhaust all reasonable means before using deadly force. Though I participated in quelling numerous disturbances and was involved in altercations, I was blessed never to have been in a situation to employ deadly force. 
For over two decades now, I've carried personal weapons.  I've never had to use them, since any weapon I have is strictly for my family's and my personal defense.  
Now there were no fire arms when Jesus walked the earth, but they did have swords.  Those were their deadly weapons and soldiers were highly trained in their use. 

It is interesting that Christ made this statement to his disciples:  "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
 In the Old Testament, believers were involved in some really bloody battles.  One time Elijah, God's prophet, slew 450 of the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40).
Another time, following an all night prayer meeting, godly Samuel chopped an evil king to pieces with a sword. 
1Samuel 15:33 "And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women.  And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal."

Ultimately, it is up to the individual's conscience and personal beliefs, but there are two sayings that I keep in mind as I live in America. 
1.  When seconds count, the police are only minutes away, and
2.  I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.