Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed" Part 7

"Blessed the are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." NIV

Peacemaking is a very humbling experience both as a third party and as a participant. Just think, if you are needing to mediate between two opposing parties, you have to enter the situation with great tact and humility or the two you are trying to help will unite and turn on you. At the same time, if you are part of a disagreement that is escalating into something ugly, you must humble yourself and seek a peaceful resolution to the situation. It takes some backing down from your high horse to find a neutral ground where peace can once again be achieved. Either way, it's not fun, and it requires a selflessness that does not come naturally to any of us. In our human nature we want to fight until we win. Backing down is not a natural option. But Jesus says that to be a child of God, we must seek to make peace, not discord. Rats.

So how do we go about this? We keep coming back to the same point -- surrender to the Lord and His will. Not everything is about me and my opinion. I need to let things go, let people go, show mercy, have right intentions and purity of heart, and be sure that there is peace among us. We can disagree on issues, but battles do not have to ensue. It goes back to the old '60's bumper sticker, "Make love, not war." (Okay, so the 60's had a bit of a different twist on that saying than I'm using. Understood. But you get my meaning.) If we are truly desiring to be saturated in the love of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit, then we can be peacemakers among those we live and work with. If our goal is to share Christ's love with others, we can't do it very well with our fingers balled into a fist. An open hand brings peace and so does an open heart. Love will share the peace of Christ that passes all understanding, and we are the conduits of that love.

Lord, humble my heart and fill it with more of Your love and discretion so I can be a peacemaker. I know I don't have to surrender all my positions, just learn to give to others sometimes and not make everything about me and my way.

Further Thoughts:
  1. We know we will have difficulties in this world. Jesus did not promise us an easy path. But what did He promise us to make it through? Read John 16:33)
  2. Christians can be some of the worst bickerers with other Christians over ridiculous things. Paul speaks a lot to keeping peace in the body. Look up several Scriptures on peace in Paul's letters. Memorize one or two to remind you to be a peacemaker.
  3. Who have you been having trouble being at peace with lately? Surrender that relationship to the Lord; ask God to show you your responsibility in the situation; seek forgiveness; pray for the other person; and restore peace. You are not responsible for others, but you are responsible for yourself.

2 comments:

  1. hey mom,
    i'm not all caught up, but i wanted you to know, that i have been using your blog for devotions, and i'm enjoying very much. i love hearing your thoughts on the Word. it's a blessing to me, and i love you so much! :D xoxoxo.

    ellie

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  2. Thanks, Sweetheart. I'm so glad I still get to be such an active part of your spiritual growth. I love you, too.

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