“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
– Romans 12:18
I like peace. I hate strife.
Sometimes Christians are put in situations where they must make a stand. This usually causes conflict.
A Christian should get no joy from conflict. Stirring the pot is not the path to righteousness. Peace should always be our goal.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
– Matthew 5:9
At work
I’m in a profession, media, which likes conflict. In fact, conflict sells. And I’ve had battles with coaches, superintendents, city administrators and mayors. But I took no joy in that.
Much of today’s journalism looks like the old yellow journalism – more based on sensationalism and exaggeration than facts.
As a writer, I try to be fair in every story. I don’t stir the pot just to be stirring something up. I’ve never used the power of the press for personal vendetta. There is a difference between reporting the facts and reporting the opinions.
Journalists are supposed to point out corruption, but not seek to tear down government because they don’t like the guy or party that is in power.
You know I’ve never seen anything built in discord. And a newspaper can’t grow if the town it’s in never does. Why would people move to an area or businesses invest in an area that is in a state of constant drama each week in the newspaper?
Sorry, not sorry, if my job is to keep people in an uproar about this or that subject, I’d rather have another job.
My wife told me I was in the wrong profession. She said I’m too nice to be a publisher. She may be right.
But until I’m run off or God shows me a different path, I’ll use the newspaper platform to reach the lost for Christ.
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
– Romans 14:19
At home
Jane and I made a covenant at the beginning of our marriage to not fight and bicker as many married couples do. And we’ve kept that covenant. Sure there are times voices may get loud to express a point, but rarely. We show respect to each other and each other’s viewpoint.
And my daughter, 8, has thrived in an atmosphere of peace.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
– James 3:17-18.
At church
I’ve seen conflict in church. It’s a spiritual hospital after all. We all are sinners and flawed. And the church can have its moments, where it looks more like the world than a sanctuary.
Our work for Christ is too important. Disputes must be quickly resolved to preserve unity.
“So that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
– 1 Timothy 3:15
Conclusion
It takes more courage to be a peacemaker than to be a troublemaker.
Peace be with you.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
