Peace.
Even before the pandemic, whenever Ann ask me “What do you want?”, my flippant answer would usually be “world peace”. 2020 has only deepened my desire for peace. I see this generally, it is reflected in sermons and writings. Rodney King’s plea, “Can’t we all just get along?” is a frequent refrain. A recent sermon at our church entitled Blessed are the Peacemakers stimulated my thinking on the subject of peace.
Subsequent to the sermon and some pondering, I concluded Christ followers are to be (must be?) peacemakers. Simple enough? Not so much.
If you asked me, “Are you a peacemaker?”, I’d reflexively say yes. However, after some thought, I’m not so sure anymore. Here are so observations that got me thinking:
When you Google peacemaker, the first image to appear is a Colt 45 revolver, named Peacemaker.
Assurance of peace comes with power and guns.
I think of multiple thousands of solders memorialized for their sacrifice for the cause of peace.
Peace comes at a price.
I think of the irony of death and peace… Rest In Peace.
Desire for peace so profound that death is the only answer.
Peace as escape, relentlessly filling life with things and activities believed to promise peace but never deliver.
Peace as the absence of conflict. Peace at any price.
Peace held hostage to achieve ends, No justice, no peace.
Peace for a bribe, toddlers screaming until achieving their demands.
Disregarding evil for the sake of peace.
Wives/ husbands/ children enduring abuse to to keep peace.
Maybe there is more to the familiar refrain, “I’d give anything for a moment’s peace.”
A brief examination of Biblical references produces imagery in contrasts to the previous observations.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matt. 10:34
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 112:17, 21
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace —as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
1 Corinthians 14:33
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,
Ephesians 2:14-15
Here is what I am thinking at this point:
Definition of peace
1: a state of tranquility or quiet: such as
a: freedom from civil disturbance Peace and order were finally restored in the town.
b: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom a breach of the peace
2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions I have been in perfect peace and contentment— J. H. Newman
3:harmony in personal relations The sisters are at peace with each other.
4a: a state or period of mutual concord between governments There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again.
b: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity offered the possibility of a negotiated peace— New York Times
- I am not a peacemaker, at least in the sense of a Biblical peacemaker. I would be better described as a peace lover. Like most people, I have a deep longing for peace. Everyone wants peace. We are willing to pay almost any price for peace. Peace is so desirable that it justifies whatever means are necessary, including, ironically, violence. Thankfully, thus far, pride, dignity, money, and principle, to name a few, have been the currency of peace in my life.
- The quest for peace is muddled by our understandings of peace. To achieve peace as defined above, we resort to the most utilitarian solution, power. Exercise whatever power is necessary to suppress, eliminate opposition and establish peace. Although that peace can be achieved by power, it is fool’s gold, satisfying in appearance but ultimately worthless. Peace through power is the choice of societies, institutions, governments, religions, organizations, tribes and families. Realistic reflection of history and personal experience reveals such peace to be temporary. In our desperation for peace we are willing to settle for less than real peace. Some peace is better than no peace. As long as we settle for less, we will continue our frantic pursuit of peace like lab rats on a treadmill.
- Consistent with the previous conclusions, I am of the opinion that Christianity, western Christianity, in particular; through the influence of secular culture has abandoned pursuit of real (Godly) peace for a pseudo peace defined above. Accordingly, the cross has been by superseded by power as the means to peace, which explains the state of confusion and division among Christians. With that, I am rethinking my assertion that I am not a peacemaker. Maybe I am, you can tell for sure by the power I wield.
- Though most are willing to settle for pseudo peace, there remains a deep desire for real peace, nebulous but painful in its absence, a transcendent reality beyond our disenchanted existence. Describing real peace is as illusive as describing the fragrance of a rose or the grandeur of a spectacular sunset. The best metaphor for me is the a longing for home. C. S. Lewis captures the essence of my yearning for peace in his reflection of longing for home:
Apparently, then, our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation. And to be at last summoned inside would be both glory and honour beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache.
I believe this longing is common to humanity and is a catalyst for seeking peace. As partakers of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, believing ourselves to be God, our search for peace is futile. The peace we long for can only be found in the presence of God.
…you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 CEV
The Gospel promises real peace now. That is really good news. It is also troubling. Real peace is beyond me. Besides, seeking pseudo peace has its rewards. Some peace, albeit temporary, is better tan no peace and even better, I have the power to make peace.
Maybe I’m a peacemaker after all?
Lots to think about. More to come.