Remember back to the days of the Vietnam War protests? Probably not! Daily there were demonstrations with people shouting "Make Love, Not War" and some shouting "Make Peace, Not War." The shouters for "Peace" did not get as much publicity. Currently, it would seem that the followers of Jesus would exit their church houses every Sunday shouting "Make peace." After all, Jesus was a Peacemaker. He said in a very famous Sermon "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9 NIV) Another way of translating that is "to be congratulated are the peacemakers." Christianity seems to have a difficult time keeping up with Biblical instruction on peace work. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace" (Romans 14:19 NIV) That's pretty straight-forward. Here's a promise for peacemakers: "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18 NIV) Seems clear to me that peace then is the best for everyone. In fact when the Bible teaches us that the only just fighting is when you are defending your family even self-defense is a form of peacemaking. (1 Timothy 5:8) Back to that famous Sermon of Jesus that I quoted earlier Jesus also said "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44 NIV) Thats radical, huh?
Until today, war has never been the answer to any problem. People fight each other when they don't want to resolve issues fairly. Anger, hostility, revenge are motivations that make any situation worse. Secure strength does not have to fight back, it looks for a better wy. Secure strength knows that it can ultimately have its way by brute force but many people will die. Wage peace!
Seriously, this lifestyle begins in the home with the parents who live peacefully and teach their children the same. The children then practice it at school and on the playground, thereby teaching it to other children. Intentinal peacemaking! That's why they called Jesus the "Prince of Peace."
"Jesus, you broke down the wall of division that kept us from You. You did all you could on the cross to
make peace with us. Help us to copy You in taking down the walls that divide people. Amen"
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2 comments:
Since I do remember the Viet Nam War and the news headlines of those days, I can relate. We must be ruthless in our pursuit of Waging Peace.
Well said, Brother Charlie.
AM
I have read your previous messages and have bookmarked your site. Pearls of wisdom, insightful and much appreciated. Thanks Pastor Charlie.
LQ
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