Walk-on Wednesday - Living in Peace - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NLT

For most of world history, peace has been temporary.

The United States of America began after fighting the Revolutionary War. In the twentieth century alone, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War were waged, not including the various campaigns against terrorism. Wars are also fought in relationships. Millions of marriages have little or no peace. Parents fight and divorce . . . or just fight. Siblings rage at each other or their parents. Workplaces can also be places of turmoil. Regardless of how diligently we work to live at peace, the end moves further from sight.

There wasn’t much peace in the first-century world either. Rome had conquered the known world and spread its Pax Romana (Roman peace) throughout its controlled regions, but a heavy-handed military presence often enforced that peace. Christians were challenged to live at peace with those who might martyr them because of their beliefs.

Living at peace with everyone requires hard work. I’ve walked through marital seasons that needed colossal energy to keep the peace. My parents didn’t always find it easy to live at peace with me when I was a teenager. There were times when I faced the same with my children. I’ll probably walk the same road with my grandchildren if I live long enough. I’ve worked in some places where it seemed no one could get along for long—gossip, backbiting, arguing, cursing.   

Knowing total peace won’t exist until Christ comes and ushers in the new heaven and earth doesn’t give us an excuse not to work for it. At home, at work, in school, in community groups, in our countries, and in the world, we must be a shining light of one who desires peace with all people. When we couple this desire with a holy lifestyle, we’ll enjoy more peaceful relationships than we would otherwise.

What can you do to foster peace in your surroundings?

Prayer: Father, give us the strength and wisdom to live at peace with others. 

Tweetable: Are you living in peace with yourself and others? 

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