Recently I began training for Exeter’s Hell of a Half Marathon (it’s every August when the weather is sizzling!) and I briefly experienced some runner’s high. It wasn’t much cause I’m out of shape but it was enough to remind me of that particular peace which comes from running long distances. It’s a great thing when exercising. Not so much when trying to actually live a life of peace.

Hear me out. In the Beatitudes, Jesus preached that “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9, NLT). In other translations “work for peace” is translated as the adjective “peacemakers”. Both senses work because the concept Jesus is getting at has everything to do with our general responses to anxiety, conflict and chaos. Sometimes we fight and tear

down when we should be making peace. Usually, however, we’re prone to running instead of making.

The Apostle Paul gives us some practical examples (with a bit of theology) on how we can be peacemakers in Romans 12:17-21:

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;

I will pay them back,”

says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap

burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Louisiana coast and caused nearly 1,500 fatalities and over $125 billion in damages. “You loot we shoot” became a common motto as some took advantage of the devastation and chaos for personal gain. Many, on the other hand, responded to the chaos by being peacemakers. They choose not to run from the mess but dealt with it with patience and determination. In the same way we are encouraged by God’s word to “conquer evil by doing good”.

There is great wisdom in making peace. James 3:17-18 puts it this way:

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

By righteousness, the Bible doesn’t mean self-righteousness or stodgy, fake religion. It means being in right relationship with God and with people. Peacemakers are wise for they understand that a life full of wealth, pleasures, success, vacations, popularity, and power is not worth harvesting unless there is peace with people and peace with God. For how can one truly enjoy the gift of life that God has given

without rest? In John 10:10, Jesus states that “the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” When we accept the good life that Jesus has for us through His death and resurrection then we can be peacemakers and build a wonderful life with others to the glory of God.

Try then not to run away from anxiety, conflict and chaos. Learn instead to be a peacemaker. Be wise in your approach, pondering life’s difficulties through prayer, the Scriptures and sound advice from friends who know both you and God. Stop running and start making.

It's a Great Time to Grow,

Pastor Aaron