Parkwood Baptist Church :: Weekly Devotional (July 17, 2006)

Weekly Devotional
Monday, July 17, 2006

1 Thessalonians 5:13
Be at peace among yourselves.

In a world that is full of wars and rumors of wars, it can be difficult to think of peace in any type of real, practical form. We can easily cling to peace as a lofty ideal, or the mark of an imaginary society, but is there any way to achieve tangible peace?

The pursuit of peace is not the chasing after some false hope, but a determined effort to make peace wherever we go. We must remember that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the resolution of that conflict in a way that honors God and seeks to avoid escalation. Noted author and pastor Max Lucado has said it this way: "Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional."

Perhaps this is why Paul, is his letter to the Roman church, reminded the believers that "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." [Romans 12:18] The admonition is that we, as individuals, have personal responsibility for making peace. We are not to sit back and wish for peace, but are to actively engage in and promote peace by resolving conflict in a peaceful manner.

And what better testimony can it be to a world apart from Christ when those who claim to be identified with Him practice peace in their lives? What complaint can a man have against one who treats him fairly and refuses to let temper control actions? What grievance is there against one who does not resort to name-calling or back-stabbing?

Jesus, with good reason, reminds us that "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." [Matthew 5:9] Peace isn’t something to be opened, like a gift, but something to be nurtured and grown. It is fragile, but grows stronger with practice and use. Let us each make peace today.