Peacemakers

The word ‘peace’ is mentioned many times in the Bible. In our daily lives, Christians strive to have peace with friends, neighbors, relatives and to have peace of mind. All know the importance of peace. For the nation without peace, its economy will decline or become unstable. Without peace there can be no democracy or even education.

Peace is what we all desire in our lifetimes, then we can do what is good and right - not in our sight, but in the sight of God Almighty. As the Psalmist says: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and do it” (Psalm 34:14).

Peace is a treasured quality and must be sought after, implying that it is not always readily available. As Christians, let us make peace with ourselves first by considering how true and loyal we are to ourselves. We must review how we eat and drink, how or what we feed our minds, what we do for a living. Do we practice corruption or do we hate corruption and such-like acts? This will help to show us the direction to achieve peace. In contrast, we know, “There is not peace”, says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). So we must be righteous to obtain peace from God.

As the times of the Gentiles are drawing to an end, nations strive to have peace, yet nation is rising up against nation; war, calamities, hunger, epidemics and all sorts of tribulation are causing people, leaders and nations to seek peace. Though they are using all means possible, still no peace can be attained unless we all turn to Almighty God. He is the one who will give us peace.

It is important to know that we cannot achieve a peaceful state of affairs whether in our families or in ourselves if we are wicked. No corruption, selfishness, hypocrisy, bad morals: we need to stay clean from these. Yes, no-one is righteous but let us try to follow the example of our elder brother, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we go astray, let us be ready to go on our knees, accept the mistakes we have made, ask for forgiveness and try not to make the same mistakes again. Also, we must ask the Lord for guidance in our daily lives so that we do not fail him. Let us try to be peacemakers: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

How lovely to be called a son of the Most High. If we want to achieve this, we have to stop loving worldly pleasures and start looking for the precious pearl that is treasure for us. It is Christ who will give it to us if we are good ambassadors, if we proclaim his word amidst affliction and suffering to attain peace. Peace will only come if people understand, follow and practice the true gospel from the Bible. Once we begin doing what is right and just, then peace will come our way. We shall not strain to look for peace, but peace, grace and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ will start following us.

Let us not tire or struggle looking for peace through wars, arguments and such-like things. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. This is a great challenge. Brethren and sisters welcome the one who is peaceful, who brings peace into the hearts of others, and lives so that he/she is a peacemaker in a world in need of peace.

In our wishes and desires to be peacemakers we personally need to be role models. For the right prescription, we must emulate Christ. Christ must be the centre of everything. Challenges to peace are in every corner of the world today. Families are breaking up, corruption, tribalism, racism: we face strife in our congregations, through individual and community differences. Let us recognize that Christ is the only source of the peace that we need so much. The will of God is not hidden. We need to listen to God’s word and put aside our own agendas and follow God’s will for our salvation: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

We are Christ’s, let us not be afraid of proclaiming his word. We need courage, we need to stand strong and speak out the truth from the Bible. Those who hear and follow will have peace from our Master, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace, and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

So let us cast aside every burden of life and strive to obtain the eternal peace of our Lord. It is Christ who will give us that peace. We shall celebrate the end of evil and have all the spiritual things we desire once we believe that Christ is King of kings and the giver of peace. How I pray for that peace to guide us in our lives through eternity! Let us be peacemakers now, as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bro Nasongo Harron (Naitiri, Kenya)