Articles
Be a Reasonable Peacemaker
Our country's political situation has emotionally exhausted many. Since the assassination attempt on our former President, some have begun to realize our rhetoric may be too heated. The situation surrounding our current President is concerning. Before these events, some speculated our country was so divided it may be on the verge of civil war. How should Christians conduct themselves in such an environment? How can we be peacemakers?
After Paul was arrested, the Sanhedrin examined him. At his examination, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” The high priest ordered those nearby to strike Paul in the mouth. Paul reviled the high priest for it. Those who stood by asked, "Would you revile God's high priest?" Even though Paul suffered injustice from the high priest, Paul repented and said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:1-5 ESV) Paul lived what he preached. In Romans 13, Paul taught Christians to obey the government because God establishes governments. Christians should “Pay...respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Rom. 13:7 ESV). Many Americans today say things like "Not my President." Christians should not say such things. We must “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Pet. 2:17 ESV)
Peter wrote during Nero's reign. Even though Nero was insane, he ruled the empire. People living in a democratic republic are amazed that Christians were to honor such a man. Why would Peter ask such of Christians? “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Pet. 2:11-12 ESV) If anyone had a right to rebel against a government, the Christians of the first through the third centuries would have had cause. Yet, they did as Peter taught. In our country, many are politically passionate. Some hate their political opponents. Their rhetoric is heated and divisive. Paul warned Christians that "enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions," are works of the flesh, and those who engage in them "will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19-21) If we lived by the Spirit, we could influence peace and healing in our divided land.
How can I be subject to and live under leaders I do not like? How do I keep my conduct honorable? “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Gal. 5:16-17 ESV). How do I walk by the Spirit? “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Gal. 5:24 ESV) We need to crucify our political passions. I do not say this lightly. I find politics fascinating. I minored in political science in college. Yet, I must ask myself, how do my political leanings serve the cause for which Jesus died? In today's climate, expressing my political views alienates half the people I need to reach with the gospel. To reach all people, I must crucify my passion.
Peacemakers are desperately needed today. Paul said, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:5-7 ESV) How can I let my reasonableness be known? How can I be an influence for Christ in the world? Follow Paul's teaching. Do not be anxious about politics; pray to God for our leaders. Be passionate about Christ and His church, His teachings, and serve others. Then, the "peace of God" will "guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
In a time when our nation feels more divided than ever, the call for Christians to be peacemakers is urgent. By living by the Spirit, showing respect and and honor to our leaders, and crucifying our political passions, we can model the love and unity that Christ taught us. Let us focus on the teachings of Jesus, serve others with compassion, and let our reasonableness and peace be evident to all. In doing so, we can be a powerful influence for Christ. Let us commit to prayer, seek God's guidance, and strive to be the light in the darkness, reflecting the peace that surpasses all understanding. How much more impactful could we be if our reasonableness and Christ-like love were known to everyone?
