Peacemakers

I go to the coffee shop in the morning. We are mostly farmers, construction workers or plumbers. Some of our conversations are fun and whimsical. A lot of farm stuff too. Then there’s those days when it all gets political. We are a diverse group in that there are guys on both sides of the aisle. Conversations can sometimes get pretty heated. It’s no secret that I claim to be a Christian. By that I mean a sinner, saved by the grace of God through the bloodshed of Jesus. This adds an interesting element to the conversation at times. Because I am just as passionate about my views as they are and I’m every bit as human, I too can feel the heat rise in my collar and my ears get hot!! I’m a wordy sort of fella and so you can imagine the buckets full of things I want to say at times! But. Yep. There it is. That but. If I claim to be a follower of Christ, who is God and Creator of all mankind, then I have a responsibility to be extra careful how and in what tone I express my views if I express them at all. James 3 talks a lot about taming the tongue. How such a small thing like the tongue can start such a fire!! It also talks about two kinds of wisdom. There’s a worldly wisdom and one that comes from heaven. Verse 17 explains that wisdom from heaven is pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. If we practice this wisdom, which comes from God’s word, it calls us peacemakers. It is in the heat of the moment that we can be our best witness for Christ. While the world sees sharp words and raised voices as wise when arguing their point, that is not how we are to be. Easy right? Ha! Not so much! But it is something we should all work on who claim to be part of the body of Christ. It’s worth the work. Verse 18 says that peacemakers will reap a harvest of righteousness!! Let’s pray for each other to be peacemakers in our conversations in the world!! Help us Lord to be good representatives of you here in our interactions with others! Make us peacemakers!!
Peace out my friends!!