How To Live Peaceably In A Not So Peaceful World

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

Don’t you just hate to be in the middle of a conflict? Or how about living in a home

where there is strife and tension? I don’t know about you, but I desperately want to live in a tranquil environment. I admit it – when all is said and done, I’m a peacemaker! That being said, I realize I can’t always control my surroundings, but I surely have a pivotal role to play in how I relate to others when peace becomes elusive. But what happens when peace is lacking in our other family, personal and work relationships? What if it isn’t possible to keep the peace?

In the book of Romans, Paul is addressing believers in Rome concerning their Christian duty to God, to themselves, and to their fellow man. After teaching on the believer’s position in Christ, he exhorts them to live a transformed life, thus bringing glory to God. Beginning in Chapter 12, verse 1, Paul pleads with them to lay down their lives on the altar, as it were, for the sake of Christ. By giving over their own bodies as sacrifices, they would relinquish any right to their own destiny or desires. Their offering is purely voluntary, and thus, honoring to God.

The great bible commentator, Matthew Henry had this to say about the Romans passage: “Study the things that make for peace... peace without purity is the peace of the devil’s palace.”

When we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3), we have done so without offending God and wounding our conscience. We have a dire responsibility – a holy charge if you will – to be at peace with all men, but especially in the Lord’s house. This charge conveys the urgency of nothing being left undone on our part, in order to preserve that peace. If you want to focus your worship on God, you’ll have to make peace with your fellow man. Matthew 5:23 says, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Jesus declared that when you are rightly related to God, you will do things differently from the world’s ways. He had just taught the famous sermon on the mount to the multitudes that surrounded Him on the hillside, including the beatitude; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Why are the peacemakers blessed? Because they are submitted to God – under His mighty hand – useful for the Kingdom. They have rightly rejected their right to their own way. They have peaceably humbled themselves unto God (James 4).

Hebrews 12:14 instructs us to, “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…” Peace and holiness go hand in hand. Proverbs 4:23 declares, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Psalm 24 says, only “he who has clean hands and a pure heart” can stand in the presence of God.

Preserving peace often entails a sacrifice on your part. Sometimes it means “biting your tongue” and swallowing unpleasant words to keep from spewing them out. We are to impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29), and season our speech with salt, knowing how to answer those who are curious about our walk with the Lord, thus encouraging dialog in a peaceful manner. Remember, we are still a “work in progress” and in the process of sanctification. Faith and patience will enable you to follow after peace and holiness. If God brings to mind something that He wants you to do to foster peace in a situation, be sure to never discard a conviction. Don’t have an obstinate attitude – realize that you will be held accountable to God for dismissing a perfectly good solution to “making peace” with your brother.

Finally, here are four (4) brief things to keep in mind with regards to living in peace…

Don’t be judgmental

Look for common ground

Pick your battles wisely

Always defer to the Holy Spirit’s leading

Remember, others are depending on you to be a peacemaker… If you are God’s child, you have all you need to be successful within God’s sovereign plan. Make it a point to do all you can to foster true peace, that God would receive all the glory!

Deborah is the author of a Christian inspirational book for women titled “Mission Possible”. Her book addresses living in a spiritually-uneven household. You can visit her website at http://www.alabasterboxpublishing.com/ for more information about her book, and visit her Blog at http://www.godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/ .

LABOR DAY & the Kingdom Work Ethic

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. It became an official American holiday in 1894. Labor Day celebrations were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

America’s vital labor force added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known. Labor Day is an opportunity for Americans to celebrate their diverse talents and the benefits of a capitalist society. The nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — namely, the American worker. In our nation, the holiday is marked in several ways: All government offices are shut down, schools are closed, and most employees receive the day off from work. Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer including picnics, boating, sporting events, and other outdoor activities.

As a laborer in the Kingdom of God, we also have high standards and goals to uphold. The apostle Paul exhorts workers in Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Our work ethic is forged in God’s Word, and as Christians, we are on display for the whole world to view. Paul often spoke of his “labors” as he rebutted his opponents about supporting himself, or while praising a church-plant for their "labor of love."

In Ephesians 4:28 he writes to the church regarding work saying, “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” I Corinthians 3:9 tells us “we are God’s fellow workers.” Paul referred to his own service to his beloved children as “being poured out as a drink offering” and was glad for it. Our biblical work ethic is the backbone of the success this country has enjoyed for over 200 years.

Our Lord Jesus told the crowd who followed him to Capernaum, saying, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Jesus was instructing them to work for eternal benefits and Kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:33). When we labor for God, it is not burdensome. He tells us in Matthew 11:30 that, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The writer of Hebrews instructs us in verses 10-12 to be confident of the blessing we will receive as we serve the Body of Christ - “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Jesus Himself commends the church at Ephesus, in Revelation 2:2, saying, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil…” Finally, in Revelation 14:13, the apostle John writes these words from heaven, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

After Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria, He had a conversation with His disciples about missing a meal. In John 5:32 He said, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” His disciples were perplexed, and Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” Jesus spoke to them about the souls that were ready for harvest. He told them that both those who sow and those who reap would rejoice, and jointly benefit from their heavenly wages and gathered fruit for eternal life. His Father’s will was that His followers would preach the gospel to the masses and make disciples. John 5:38 sums it up best as Jesus said, “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

As followers and disciples of Christ, we too have that same mandate; to work out our labor of love, and compel those on the highways and byways to come and partake of the glorious Wedding Feast that has been prepared since the beginning of time. This Labor Day, take time to reflect on the diversity and talents we share in the workforce of the Kingdom of God.

Mom, You DO Have the Greatest Influence on Your Kids!

Statistically, women who attend church alone with their children are on the rise. Women’s Sunday school classes are flourishing. Why is this trend so prevalent across the spectrum of Christian denominations? Theories range from the lack of strong, spiritual leadership by the husband in the home, to absentee fathers, to women being more open to the spiritual things of God. No matter the reasons, women make up a larger percentage of regular attendance in most churches – oftentimes alone, with their children in tow.

A popular Christian research group had this to say, “Moms are more religiously active. In a typical week, mothers are more likely than are fathers to attend church, pray, read the Bible, participate in a small group, attend Sunday school, and volunteer some of their time to help a non-profit organization. Women in America have high levels of spiritual sensitivity and engagement.”  Below is a link to an article posted on Beliefnet.com which validates the study fiindings -

http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/2010/06/barnas-newest-study-who-partic.html

As a new Christian, I was eager to go to church – and at first, it was just my young son and myself. My husband wasn’t interested in going with us. I had made a decision for Christ, and I intended to keep it! We attended most services and enjoyed the fellowship with other believers.  Just remember, your conversion is personal. It is a revelation given to you, and you alone. God draws us by His Spirit, and we follow Him into our relationship one by one. There are no family conversions, except each member responds individually to God’s invitation (Acts 16:31-34)

In scripture, there are several examples of mothers who influenced their children by being Godly examples. One of my favorites is Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who became a great prophet to Israel. I Samuel 1-2 tell us that Samuel was an answer to prayer, and a gift of faith to his mother. Hannah had only a short time to shape his understanding of who God was. She had made a vow to the Lord to dedicate him to God’s service. She would wean him and leave him with Eli the priest to serve at the temple in Shiloh. Hannah, no doubt, spent much time with young Samuel, sharing her love of God and the nation’s historical narrative as any mom would – in story-telling. She most likely prayed with him and sang hymns. She most likely shared age-appropriate things with him regarding sacred religious feasts, festivals and rituals. Samuel grew up before the Lord and pleased Him in his service. Even at a young age Samuel heard God’s voice, which was rare in those days. God used him mightily, and according to God’s leadership and direction, he became the kingmaker, anointing both Saul and David.

Another great example of a mother’s influence is in II Timothy 1:5. Paul recalls Timothy’s upbringing by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. The name Timothy means “honoring God,” and it was probably given to him by his mother. Timothy was born in the province of Galatia, the offspring of a mixed marriage between a Greek father and a Jewish mother (Acts 16:1). While growing up, Timothy was taught the Scriptures by his believing mother and grandmother. He certainly sang hymns, participated in Christian first century practices and traditions, and learned the power of prayer from his Godly role models. He was most likely led to Christ by Paul, later circumcised by him, and was Paul’s missionary companion for much of the rest of his ministry. Paul later considers Timothy to be his closest disciple, and often referred to him as his “son in the faith”.

While you are serving the Lord at church, be mindful of your spouse and home situation. Be discerning, not disruptive. Walk in love and wisdom. Approach your new found faith with enthusiasm, but give yourself permission to “stay at home” on occasion for a family outing or special time together. Be a Godly role model to your children, but don’t use your church attendance or them as a form of punishment against your spouse and their lack of interest.

Pray with your children for your spouse in a way that honors them and glorifies God. Lift them up to Him in a loving, meaningful way, that your children may see your devotion them, and your genuine concern for their salvation (all age-appropriate, of course). Provide spiritual nourishment to your children by memorizing simple scripture verses, reading bible stories, and talking about what God is doing in your life on a daily basis. Always be ready to use everyday situations as “teaching moments”.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” There is no guarantee that your children will serve the Lord all their days, but there is no doubt that using your influence for Christ, at any age, will certainly sow seed for others to water, and for God to bring the increase…

Deborah's book "Mission Possible" addresses many difficulties in an unequally-yoked marriage.  You can preview her book on the BookBuzzr interactive book reader on her Blog at God Mission Possible Blog
and purchase her book at the Mission Possible Website

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