The Pointe

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
                                                                                                               James 3:18

In today’s politically correct world, we often make the mistake of being peacekeepers rather than peacemakers. A peacekeeper is one who says, “Oh, I can’t ruffle feathers. I can’t step on any toes. I have got to keep everybody happy and keep the waters calm.”

If you are a peacekeeper, though, nothing will ever change. You will end up listening to worldly wisdom and wasting your life trying to maintain the status quo.

Instead, God challenges us to be peacemakers. A peacemaker is someone who is willing to speak the truth to those around them, even if it means upsetting the status quo.

To be a peacemaker, you must care deeply for those people who are in the wrong. And you must be willing to show them the truth about what they are doing. Don’t judge people. But be willing to show them the truth and then talk to them about the fact that God loves them and wants them to discover the true peace that is only available through Jesus Christ.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate…James 3:16-17
When you think about being “peace-loving” and “considerate,” think about the different aspects of the cross. The cross has a vertical aspect to it; it also has a horizontal aspect.Once we bow the knee to Christ and place our faith in him, we secure a vertical relationship with God. And because that vertical relationship has been established, we now have the ability and desire to work on our horizontal relationships—those relationships with the people around us. It is then that we will reach out to others in peace and consideration.

To get the most out of this life and make the most of the relationships we have, we need to recognize the fact that we are called to be peace-loving and considerate with those around us. So as you go through each day, remember that your relationship with God has been established. And ask him to help you keep peace and be considerate with the people you meet every day.