A man’s needs run accordin’ to the country he’s in and the job he has to do.”
–Louis L’Amour (The Tall Stranger)
“Stand firm then,.. with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
–Ephesians 6:14-15(NIV)
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“God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!” –Matthew 5:9 (CEV)
“Peace, peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above….”
–W.D. Cornell
Are you a peacemaker? Are we to make peace with everyone? Remember, peace is not the same as appeasement. And yes, we should attempt to make peace with everyone as much as is possible. Notice that the blessing is on the peace-maker, not necessarily on the peace-lover or the peace-keeper. The action is on the making–but not taking action could be piling up trouble for the future. William Barclay gives us a stern warning, “Peace does not come from the evasion of issues; it comes from facing them, dealing with them and conquering them.” See, peace often comes through struggle. “The peace a godly man seeks is not have a league of amity with sinners” (Thomas Watson).
Paul reminds us, and it is something that tends to be forgotten, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony (peace) is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, NIV) How does one have peace with the enemy of our souls? It is not possible, nor should it be attempted. Peace at any cost is appeasement. There is a time to stand. Watson states, “We are to be civil to the worst–but not twist into a cord of friendship.” Someone has said, if a man has the plague we will be helpful, but also careful not to spend much time in his company.
The greatest peace that anyone can have is peace with God. Allowing the soul to be at rest in the knowledge of Him and His salvation. Peacemakers are those who beseech sinners to be reconciled. It is impossible to make peace with others without being at peace with God and self. But then, sometimes being a child of God enrages those around them, thus cutting off peace between them, but not, peace with God.
No matter how hard we try, no matter what we do, the Bible clearly states that, “‘There is no peace,’ says the LORD, ‘for the wicked.'” (Isaiah 48:22, NIV) They will never have true, lasting peace in their life or in eternity. Now is the day of salvation–now is the day of peace with God. Peace comes when people accept the good news presented to them. Paul writes, “…How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15, NIV) We are to bring the news of peace, we cannot force peace upon the people. Abraham Lincoln said, “Die when I may, I would like it to be said of me, that I always pulled up a weed and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” A man of peace who had to administrate the most deadly war in our nation’s history–quite ironic.
Again, I must remind you that the Beatitudes deal primarily with the spiritual. Yes, we should try to bring peace to those around us, but know that peace in that context was primarily for the soul. In fact, the early church thought this verse was meant to be purely spiritual; making peace in one’s own heart and soul. The inner conflict must first be dealt with. Only when the heart is wholly given to God can a person be at peace.
“What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll.”
–W.D. Cornell (2nd stanza)