Romans 14:19 “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
In these days of wanton destruction, shouting down, shaming, fear, hate, willful misunderstandings, and inexhaustible propaganda, am I pursuing peace with the people around me, especially my fellow Christians from all cultures and walks of life? Do I look for ways to build them up? Am I mindful of malicious attempts to drive a wedge between me and my brothers and sisters in the faith? I must constantly remind myself that the ultimate Enemy is not another person: Ephesians 6:12 “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The world has experienced nonstop conflict since that awful day when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Human beings are sin-soaked creatures, living with profoundly troubled histories and inflicting new miseries to the present day. That is why Jesus came: to rescue us from all of that. And from ourselves. People who are rescued live differently. They love each other in ways that the world does not. John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” They experience God-empowered unity that the world by its clever schemes can never achieve. Romans 15:5 “May God, who gives patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
This is how the community of Christ-followers is to live – not condemning each other but seeking to live in love, harmony, and mutual help toward one another. Even if the world hates us for it, they won’t be able to deny that we are different.
Father, I’m deeply discouraged by the state of the world. Society around me only multiplies problems, but never finds lasting and genuine solutions. But why should I be surprised at that? The only true answer is Jesus. Please help me and my fellow Christians live out our faith; change us and use us in these desperate times so the world will know who Jesus is.
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This week: Pray. When you see a news story that floods you with discouragement, pray. When you hear a divisive comment from a brother or sister, pray. When you are tempted to shout back in anger, pray. When you don’t know how to respond to an attack, pray.
Matthew 5:44 “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray continually.”