Are You Willing to Have Peace?

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18


We live in a day and age that self focus is pretty high on everyone's attention. We take care of ourselves, we are focused on self and what we want. It's safe to say that as time progresses, the generations become more and more selfish and self focused. One of the things that has fallen away is community. We have ceased to live in healthy communities because we are so selfish. College students are protesting everything they find offensive, which is everything. There are movements and protests about everything these days, because we all want to be taken care of.

If this reality we live in, we have a desire to be justified, to be coddled and if someone wrongs us, we want revenge. We expect to be respected and taken care of. We will demand our rights be taken care of, or all hell will break lose. This is true even among Christians. What this what Jesus demonstrated? Clearly not, He died on the cross to atone for sin, even though He never committed a single sin.

What would it cost to have peace?  First, each of us has to put aside our wants and look to the greater good. We need to consider what is best for the family, for the community, for the church, for those around us. Sometimes we have to give up what we want. Very few are willing to give up what they want. So often we fail to see the long term and we are not willing to have a short term loss for a long term gain. We must remember some important truths.

To gain, often you must first lose. Great things always come at a cost. Remember the pearl of great price and the treasure hidden in the field. The people sold everything to gain these things.

Long term peace is healthier than short term justification. We will live a better life by giving up our rights in the short term.

Living at peace doesn't mean you have to affirm wrong behavior, you simply overlook an offense when possible.

I realize that sometimes peace is not possible. Sometimes you must defend the rights of another, and sometimes there is nothing you can do. Sometimes the other person is set on conflict, to which we are best served by turning the check and walking away. Remember to walk away from the trouble and towards Jesus. I'm praying we can all find some peace today. Blessings!