Articles
Peacemakers and Peace Seekers
Our Lord said, in the portion of the Sermon on the Mount we call ‘The Beatitudes,’ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). The promise that they shall be called “children of God” points to the fact of His character. While some see God only as violent, mean, and cruel, such perceptions are tainted by a hatred of all things righteous and good, and are not a fair description of our Creator, who is “not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33); peace originates with God, and without God there is no peace.
Peace is something God desires His people both make and seek but, as with most everything we consider, we must ensure we understand what true peace is that we may properly pursue it, maintain it, or help make it. Along those lines, consider the dictionary definitions and a couple of quotes regarding peace. First, the Random House Dictionary defines peace as “a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations; a state of tranquility or serenity.” Consider also that Ronald Reagan has been quoted as saying, “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Philosopher and religion critic Baruch Spinoza similarly said, “Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.” Both speak of a mindset, more than mere actions, which points to something we all know: We will never have peace if our hearts are set on conflict and selfish ambitions. As the wise writer reminded us, what a man thinks in his heart is who he truly is (Prov. 23:7). One whose heart is not set on peace will not seek it or help make it, and will do nothing to maintain peace where it exists,
But God’s people should be seekers of peace, if for no other reason than it aligns us with the desire and character of our heavenly Father. Paul’s admonition to the early disciples was simple, but admittedly difficult: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18). The fact that Paul wrote, by Divine inspiration, “If it is possible,” tells us it is not always possible. Again, if one does not seek and desire peace, it will not matter how much others desire it; peace will not exist. As an example, consider some of the conflicts that have long existed in this world among some nations and people; all efforts to obtain peace have been mostly unsuccessful and, at best, short-lived because it seems there is always someone who does not want it. But, as disciples, as much as we can and if at all possible, we should strive to lives peaceably with all men.
It should be evident to us that peace is an important part of who we are, as disciples, for it is a fruit of the Spirit, as noted by Paul in his words to the Galatians (Gal. 5:22); in other words, peace should be a natural and expected characteristic of the one who is led by the Spirit instead of the flesh. Paul’s exhortation to Titus was that he instruct the brethren “to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:1, 2). Within those words are the very characteristics that enable us to be peaceable! Let us consider, for the rest of this article, what will help us to be people who seek peace and who can then truly be peacemakers.
Humility is Necessary. James reminds us, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (Jas. 3:16). One who seeks his own way, with no regard for what others think, is not one who has a mindset of peace, and will most often be the cause for a lack of peace wherever he may be. To that end, Paul instructed the early disciples, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3, 4). The New American Standard Bible translates “selfish ambition” as merely “selfishness,” with a footnote calling it contentiousness. In other words, a lack of peace! Selfishness is not a character trait that ever brings peace, and is quite often the cause for a lack of peace among men. It is only when we have true “lowliness of mind” [literally, a humble mind] that we may achieve and maintain peace.
Humility is the characteristic of one who values others more than self, and who realizes that all he does and all he is about is not self, but God, Christ, and others. One who knows God and His supreme wisdom, power, and glory will naturally be humble; one who considers the great love Christ showed in dying for our sins, though we were clearly unworthy of such a sacrifice, will naturally be humble; one who has love for his fellow man and has a genuine concern for his well-being will naturally be humble. This humility will, as a result, motivate us to seek peace with God through our obedience to His will and because of the great sacrifice of His Son (2 Cor. 5:20, 21; Rom. 5:10). This humility will also drive us to seek peace with our fellow man and especially among our fellow believers; we will “walk worthy of the calling with which [we] were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1, 2).
Gentleness and Kindness is Necessary. It likely goes without saying that one who is unkind and/or harsh and merciless will not be one who promotes peace, able to maintain peace, or even one who seeks peace. Even if we have the truth and are fighting against error, we will not win anyone to the Lord if we are rude, crude, harsh, and unkind. It should be noted, again, that “kindness” and “gentleness” are among the characteristics Paul said are part of “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22, 23).
Consider our Lord as an example of gentleness and kindness, even when dealing with those who opposed Him. Yes, He was blunt and sometimes harsh with the religious leaders, but He was one who could know their hearts and knew they needed harsh rebukes for their hypocrisy; we do not know the hearts of any man beside our own, so we cannot make such determinations. Paul admonished us, “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all” (2 Tim. 2:24). This is not an option, especially if it is peace we seek. As servants of the Lord [disciples], we must be gentle to all.
When Peace is Not Desired. Note again that God has instructed us, “If it is possible,…live peaceably with all men.” Some, unfortunately, have taken this to mean we should never argue or debate the truth or oppose error; such could not be further from the truth, for Jesus Himself once said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). In the context, Jesus was speaking of how some would have conflict amongst their own families simply because of the message Jesus brought and the fact they would follow Him. In this, we must realize there will never be peace between those who stand for God and those who oppose Him and His ways.
As someone has rightly stated it: No God, no peace. Know God, know peace. Do you have that peace? Do you seek that peace? — Steven Harper
