Have you ever wanted something really badly? You thought you just had to obtain that item, acquire that grade, or develop that relationship. As kids, we make it really easy for our parents to understand what we “must” have when we tell them, “Give me!” As we grow older that feeling of “give me” usually does not go away. We just have a different target in mind when we aim our arrow of “give me.” When we hit that magical age of sixteen, what do most of us want? We have to have a car, of course! You might prefer a jeep or truck instead, but some motorized vehicle must find its way into your possession.
God, in His awesome wisdom, created within us feelings of strong desire to pursue different things. Many times we are drawn to merely physical objects. This is not always a bad thing. However, when we examine God’s Word, there are certain attributes God wants us to pursue and incorporate into our lives. One of those attributes God wants us to pursue in our lives is peace. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
First, we need to study about peace breaking. The devil is the ultimate peace breaker. Satan promotes chaos and division, tries to have people be in conflict with each other, and endeavors for people to be in conflict with God. Unfortunately, it is easy to observe how the devil succeeds in disrupting peace.
Ask yourself, “Am I a peace breaker?” If we gossip about someone to other people, we are being a peace breaker. If we tear someone down to make ourselves look good, we are not promoting peace. We are to bear each other’s burdens according to Galatians 6:2. If someone trusts and confides in us, we should not share that information in a way to hurt or harm them. When we meddle in someone’s business, gossip, or tear someone down, we are not acting like peacemakers, but we are acting like Satan. I do not want to be in the same category as the devil or be guilty of behaving as he does, do you?
Next, we have to realize God is a God of peace, as 2 Thessalonians 3:16 teaches. Consequently, His Word, the Gospel, is a message of peace according to Ephesians 6:15. We cannot have true peace until we obey the gospel and live by it faithfully. Since Christians are to be like God, He expects us to be peacemakers.
Being a peacemaker will not happen by accident. It will require that we put others and their needs ahead of our own. Jesus taught us to do this in Matthew 7:12, which is often described as the Golden Rule. This command will help bring about peace if followed, but it requires love and sacrifice. Many are not willing to pay the price to be peacemakers, but we should try to be peacemakers when possible. Romans 12:18 tells us to live peaceably as much as it depends on us. Sometimes peace is not possible, but that is something to explore in another article.
Do you need more peace in your life? Instead of blaming others for the chaos and division, examine your life and see what you can do to promote peace. Never forget that Christians have the promise of God’s peace that passes all understanding according to Philippians 4:7. Be a peacemaker!