Jesus, of course, listed peacemakers among the blessed in His Sermon on the Mount. He is the ultimate peacemaker, first reconciling us, His enemies, with our Father. Second, this in turn reconciles us with each other. We, however, are called to follow in His steps. In a time of increasing rancor both within and without the kingdom, how can we better spread the blessings of peace?
First, we stay out of entangling alliances. How foolish that we think the way to end a fight is to join it. Viet Nam era peaceniks used to ask, “What if they held a war and nobody came?” They were on to something. More fighters will never make for less fighting. The Bible calls us to not grab a passing dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17). The party of the aggrieved is all about recruitment. Don’t sign up.
Second, we focus on our own failings. Sin is a disturber of the peace. When we sin we disturb the peace. So let’s work on mortifying our flesh, putting to death the old man, fighting not against others but against ourselves. One of the advantages of this approach is it makes others less likely to attack us. When we are quick to acknowledge our sins, it kind of takes the wind out of the sails of the accusers of the brethren. What need have we to defend ourselves?
Third, we focus on the peace He has given us. Paul makes much the same point in that Spirit inspired ode to His sovereignty that is Romans 8-
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:33-35).
Peace with God comes from resting in the work of Christ for us. Peace with each other comes from resting in the work of Christ for us. Peace with ourselves comes from resting in the work of Christ in us.
Fourth, we look at our brothers and sisters the way our Father does. When I look at myself in the mirror I see nothing but sin. When my Father looks at me He sees nothing but Jesus. When I look at others I’m called to see them in the same way. He loves them infinitely and immutably. Going to war against them is like going to war against Jesus.
Fifth, we look at those outside the kingdom as we once were. Every soldier in the Lord’s army was once a soldier in the devil’s army. By His power, in His compassion, He drafted us into His army (Genesis 3:15). Who knows if He might not do it for our enemies? I know of a man who virulently, actively persecuted believers, some even to the point of death. But God stopped him dead in His tracks, blinding Him, gave Him eyes to see the kingdom and sent him to my people with the gospel.
We are called to fight for peace, and to peace in the midst of the fight. May He grant us grace to be faithful warriors who rest in His peace.
Hi RC,
What you say is correct and I learned from it, but you only addressed the comfy cozy part of what it means to be a peacemaker.
The part you left out is a part that gives you the liberty to write your piece. Ie— Generals MacArthur, Eisenhower and Patton were also peacemakers.
We need both kinds of peacemakers and Christian teachers/pastors need to teach both by moving outside their academic comfort zones.
In principle we are in agreement. That said, a. I don’t think there’s anything cozy about my counsel. b. the men you picked fit the description you gave. But not all soldiers, not all American soldiers earn the title peacemaker, nor protectors of liberty. It’s a sloppy reasoning that goes from “Some wars and therefore some soldiers fought for our liberties” to “Every war and every soldier was fought for our liberty. I’m not saying you are guilty of that confusion, but many are.