Promoting Peace

There are ways in which believers in Christ can settle our differences and maintain a spirit of humility and peace.  2nd Thessalonians 3 states:

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

This is not an endorsement of what is called "cancel culture," in which you write someone off without any desire for restoration.  No, we are called to be restorative in our approach to those who are struggling - it may call for some "tough love," but that situation seems to only be temporary.  God doesn't write us off, thankfully, when we do wrong - we may realize that we are seemingly not as close to Him as we once were, but He lovingly holds out hope for reconciliation; that can be our attitude toward our fellow believers.

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Coming up, I will be sharing a verse that one high-profile former NFL coach has used with respect to our recent social upheaval.  I want to back up a few verses and share this passage from the same
chapter of the Bible. It says:
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

The Bible says, "blessed are the peacemakers," and that simple phrase can be so applicable in these tumultous days, when there is such a sense of upheaval.

And, we can find people who are anchored in Christ and seek to emulate those who are working through issues, but doing so in a reasoned, graceful way.  George Floyd was described as a "man of peace," and there are high-profile people in our culture today who are exhibiting the peace of Christ.

Like former Super Bowl champion coach Tony Dungy, heard on Faith Radio weekday mornings at around 10 after 10 during FaithSongs.  I had quoted from his wonderful statement shortly after the death of George Floyd, which he closed out by saying, "In the words of the Apostle Paul, 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12:21 NIV"

Sports Spectrum reported on a recent radio interview out of Pittsburgh, in which the coach said, "I’m a Christian, and I feel like as a representative of Christ, I have an obligation to speak up and I have an obligation to help wherever I see it needed. I think we’ve got to come together and do that.” He also underscored the magnanimity of the situation, saying, “It’s not just a black problem. It’s not a white problem. It’s not an inner-city problem. It’s not a governmental problem. It’s our problem and we gotta solve it.”

This past Tuesday, Dungy issued another nugget of truth, tweeting out: "I woke up this morning & really felt led to pray for our country. We’re in a difficult place and everyone is looking for answers. Can we come together in love and in respect? Sometimes it seems like that’s impossible but it is possible-If we let the LOVE of Christ work-Mark 10:27"

Tim Scott is a man of peace, as well.  He is a Senator from South Carolina, an African-American who is in a God-given vantage point to not only see the issues confronting our culture, but to do something about them.  He was a guest on Focus on the Family recently, and Jim Daly, host of the program, shared these comments about the program: "...his faith transformed his life from despondency and disillusionment to one of purpose. He accepted Jesus at the tender age of 11 and recommitted his life at 17."  Daly also said, "You’ll hear Senator Scott say that society is only positively transformed through the heart – and that it’s hard to hate someone when you’re breaking bread with them."

The Senator also said, “There’s no doubt that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life,” adding, “And I will say this as a kid who experienced the American dream brought to me on the shoulders of a praying mother and a powerful mentor. You and I both have the same story that in this country, anyone from anywhere, at any time can rise to the level of Ephesians 3:20 and 21 and [believe] that, ‘God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or imagine.’ Let’s just get to it.”
Positive words of affirmation, certainly - words of hope that we need to hear these days.

He is now the Republican Senator who is the point man for police reform legislation.  A recent Politico article stated:

“The thing that really anchors me, especially in these challenging times, is when you realize that it’s not about you. It’s about you being a resource for hopefully greater good,” Scott said in an interview. He grew increasingly introspective when asked whether he enjoys being the center of attention on issues of race and policing.

“The purpose really can’t be me at this moment. The purpose is that there are literally tens of millions of Americans who’ve lost confidence in institutions that have authority,” Scott said. “As a victim of that situation many times, including this year, how do I make sure that my experience and not myself becomes the focal point?”

Dungy and Scott teach us that we can change hearts through love, and recognize that the wrong tone can yield the wrong results.  But, it takes courage and taking advantage of opportunities that we can depend on God to provide for us.

But, there is humility involved.  In this rampant "cancel culture" that we are seeing - really a terrifying trend for people of faith - there is a small group of people that is stirring up dissension, determining the correct "talking points," calling people names, and excluding from participation those who do say exactly the right things.  Rather than bringing people together for positive change and the benefit of society, people are being pushed apart.  Believers in Christ are better than that; we can humbly and orderly model the love and principles of Christ.