Are You a Channel of Peace?

by Tom Gilbert

Most people greet each other with a "Hi, how are you?" or a "How ya' doing?" Sometimes it is even expressed with enthusiasm or kindness. Jesus, on the other hand, greeted his friends differently -- and it was more than a pleasant salutation: "Peace be with you."

Peace, Dude!

The greeting of peace is one that Jesus used often (Luke 24:36; John 14:27; 20:19,21,26), and the early believers continued the practice. Paul, in his New Testament letters, regularly sent blessings of grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). These were heartfelt words that held powerful meaning for the first Christians.

Society, however, has made various expressions of peace trendy. "Peace, brother" was often said in the cultural revolution of the sixties/seventies. "Peace out!" has been heard more these days. Perhaps some people say it with meaning and sincerity, but my suspicion is it's more often just a catch phrase.

The peace Jesus gives is not the same as ours. In fact, he tells us in so many words. Read John 14:27-- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

There is something significant here.

Christ is giving us His peace and this peace is not given to us the way the world gives it. It is the "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

Does Peace Have a Chance?

These thoughts are present with me of late. The drums of war are beating loudly in the United States and Great Britain. There is a great deal of evidence and justification being presented for military action against Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein. Granted, the world is in a precarious situation if evil men with weapons of mass destruction are allowed to use them. However, as a Christian it should not be so easy to jump on the bandwagon.

Struggling over the concept of war is something we all should do. Everyone recognizes that the death and suffering caused by war is atrocious. Still, wars happen. And, unfortunately, there will be more war. The reasons behind them will sometimes sound justified and other times absurd.

A Better Way?

I was reading about St. Francis of Assisi recently -- his feast day was October 4th. You may know that this once medieval playboy rejected a life of wealth and egotism and took to heart the Gospel message to deny his self and follow Christ. He was very humble and lived a simple life. He loved and respected all of God's creatures. He's even considered the patron of animals.

As I read, however, I discovered something I had not known about him. Francis lived during the time of the Crusades. Christian European armies were warring with the Muslim forces in the Middle East. Francis' response was to go on a peace-seeking mission.

In 1219 he traveled to Damietta, Egypt, near the mouth of the Nile, and met with the Sultan of Egypt, Malek-el-Kamel. There he delivered a sincere and earnest message of the Gospel Good News and the love of Jesus. The Sultan was impressed with the courage and faith of this messenger and listened with courtesy and admiration. Though it did not result in conversion, at least the message was heard out. And the ruler was impressed enough to guarantee Francis safe passage home.

A Prayer for Peace

A good daily reminder of what each of us is called to do as a follower of Jesus is aptly summed up in St. Francis' "Prayer of Peace".

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Does this prayer accurately reflect my attitude? I have a long way to go. However, the truth of those words cannot be denied. We are told in the Bible that the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of all truth. Like the Sultan of Egypt in 1219, at the very least I can hear these words with courtesy and admiration. Perhaps they will even enter my heart and help change me.

And the next time I say "Peace be with you," perhaps it will mean even more.

Life Applications:

What words do you speak out of habit rather than from the heart?

Do you think that world peace is possible? Why or why not?

In answering the preceding question, did you blame a person, country, or religion? Why or why not?

What are you willing to do for peace?

Copyright 2002 by Tom Gilbert   
All rights reserved.