As you might have gathered from last week, the biggest lesson I learn from last month was the importance of being a peacemaker.
Peace has been a big deal for me for a long time, but it’s fair to say I lost focus for a while.
A friend came and visited me in the middle of the month. He shared a powerful word of encouragement that reminded me that in Christ I am part of a liberating force. Not the military or political liberation force for whom the cycle goes see injustice, fight injustice and to maintain the new justice use unjust means creating more injustice.
There is a larger issue in play. The issue of the Kingdom of God. The issue of that Kingdom not just being about piety among the brotherhood and being unnoticed in the world. The issue about how does the truth of a rule of righteousness, peace and joy make a difference in every aspect of my life.
I appreciate the lesson my friend taught me again. The repercussions of it are still being felt in my work life and how I engage with church life. I am all about getting things done. Yet making peace is a process. A process that not everyone agrees with. A process that not everyone understands. A process that will get opposition and frustration.
The deal, then, is to endeavour to stick to it. To understand that the process will require commitment to the priority of Christ. It will certainly require keeping the enthusiasm for peace going under trying circumstances. My challenge is about the right action in the right time. I don’t want to procrastinate and I don’t want to be doing things for the sake of doing things. The progressive element is reflected in the constructive approach. I believe that it will be something that will be a tribute to the excellence with which God makes us which is why peace is so important.
It’s a lesson I am looking to apply in the coming days and weeks.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 