Rules Of Engagement

Flirting with danger...

Many people get a rush from pushing the limits.  The idea of being a "secret agent" seems daring and adventurous... a "double agent" even more-so!  It would be exciting to have incredible skill at manipulating people to pull "important" information from them and be cutting edge with all the advances in technology and weaponry to do things that "normal" people only dream of.
We're told some of the dangers:

• having to scan every room for potential threats, make-shift weapons, and exit points
• not being able to trust anyone with your "real" identity
• having to stash money and false identification in case things get so ugly you have to go into hiding for months/years
• having to give up family-ties and friendships, morals and convictions, and even faithfulness to your husband/wife for the sake of the "cause."

Like medications, we weigh it all out and decide that the adverse side-effects are worth the risks.  Who wants to live the typical civilian life, right?!

Even incredibly talented operatives have certain rules that they have to work by.  These rules help preserve their life - so, for the "secret agent" that moves and manipulates under the cover of darkness - shrouded in lies - these rules are also something to "live" by.  Honoring these "Rules of Engagement" is founded on self-preservation for the good of the "Cause" - be it a government agency, a factious army, the mafia, a terrorist group, etc.

Rules of Engagement

In warfare, there are also recognized "Rules of Engagement" (ROE) that limit the amount of devastation and casualties amongst the nations.  Bombing or attacking completely civilian structures/villages is one violation, as Syria was reminded of in their conflict with "terrorists" in Aleppo in September 2012.  Having a stand-still in the battle to allow relief organizations to help the injured and oppressed civilians receive food, water, and medical attention is also among the ROE that Syria honored in April 2012.  In the old days it was dishonorable to target the flag-bearers, bugle-boys, and drummers.

The more time goes by, the more we see a forsaking of these principles when it inconveniences their agenda.  Those people we try to protect are seen as leverage and a persuasive means of demoralizing the opponent to acquiesce to the calloused and immoral (or amoral) tyrant.

As Christians, we also have "Rules of Engagement" in regards to how we treat others that don't share our faith - and even those who are in opposition to our faith - be they friends, family, community leaders, or government officials.  As followers of Christ, we must realize that we are in a war - a war over souls.  And the one who wages war against us does not honor any "Rules of Engagement."

Ephesians 6:10-18 says:

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

Until they come to Christ and learn to yield to the Holy Spirit, people are easily influenced by evil... which is why it is so easy to think that our battle IS against "flesh and blood."  We must stand our ground, but we must advance the Kingdom too.  This is where we're like "double agents" (minus the deception and manipulation): getting people to defect and give allegiance to God instead of this world... AND training them to recruit others.

Back to "demoralizing the opponent."  Our enemy, the devil and his angels (demons), uses propaganda as one of their most powerful tools in recruiting and preserving enlisted soldiers.  I'm not talking about planes that fly overhead and drop carefully worded flyers, pamphlets, and news articles over cities like Germany did in World War I and II... the devil's marketing machine is much more efficient and pervasive.  It's the mass media all around us (internet, magazines, newspapers, movies, television, and radio) that espouses truth-claims of all sorts: from deodorant to philosophy.

In taking in these truth-claims, we, as Christians, get demoralized when we start doubting that God is trustworthy.  We get demoralized when we see our family and friends "injured" by the Cause of Christ that we support.  We get demoralized when we're convinced that our self-control, the "fruit of the Spirit," grace, and obedience isn't as substantial or enjoyable as the evil that unbelievers seem to enjoy.  As if God (the leader of our "Cause") has been withholding something, or even lying to us.

Beware these arrows of "truth" that seek to pierce us through.  When you filter these truth-claims through the Word of God (the Bible) you'll discover their true nature and intent: lies to breed defection.

Clarification

I'll follow this post up with more on our specific ROE and the dangers of being a "double agent" for Jesus.  To spare confusion, I'll clarify the difference between the concept of being a "double agent" and that of living a "double life."

As a popular quote among Christians states: we should be IN the world, not OF the world.
There isn't a specific verse that says this principle, but many can be assembled to communicate this God-honoring principle that we should live by and not just quote.
(Some might include: John 8:23; John 15:19; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:17)

A "double agent" operates IN enemy territory, they're not members or proponents OF the enemy.  A terrific question to ask is, "how much should a Christian look like the world in their efforts to influence those that belong to it?"  This leads to the other identity crisis...

A person that lives a double life is trying to get "the best of both worlds." They're deceitful and unstable - mostly deceiving themselves.  This person looks one way at church and another at work.  They claim the promises of God and do everything they can to achieve comfort.  They want to see the Church grow but spend more time, money, and energy pursuing the American Dream for them and their children - greatly torn when the two conflict.  These people ought not to expect anything from God (James 1:5-8) and should take seriously the direct warning from God in Revelation 3:15-17.  Declare your allegiance and walk in the newness of life that comes from Christ alone - with every decision and in every environment.

Having clarified that, I finish with these exhortations from scripture:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

-Proverbs 4:23

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening — it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.  Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord." 

-Hebrews 12:11-14

"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

-2 Timothy 3:12-17