In a world rife with countless conflicts, the question arises: where are the peacemakers? The role of a peacemaker is immensely challenging, whether they are addressing the needs for peace within turbulent families or in regions ravaged by war. It begs the question, who authorizes the pursuit of peace in these troubled zones? The drive for a human-led peaceful pursuit is often guided by a singular source, highlighting the importance of Christianity. The pursuit of peace does not necessarily require an assessment of the conflict’s origins.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:9-12 NKJV).
There might not be another Scripture that outlines a job description for Christians as clearly as that of being peace-makers. Their role often draws false accusations from conflicting parties. A peace-maker remains steadfast in the middle, showing resilience in pursuit of peace. Sometimes, they are mislabeled as politicians, which is not the case. They might even face mortal danger in their quest for peace. Yet, such risks do not deter them from their mission of peace-making.
The Scripture mentioned has often been associated with Lawyers for Human Rights. However, as indicated, its original mandate was intended for Christians. In times when the world is in turmoil, the question arises: where are the Christians who are not fulfilling their mandate to be peacemakers? A form of Christianity that is not genuine may counsel its followers to distance themselves from conflicts, prioritizing self-preservation, which is deemed of utmost importance. Jesus criticized this approach as a shirking of Christian duty. The consequence of this is rejection from God’s Kingdom.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV).
The aforementioned admonition is not aimed at Lawyers for Human Rights but at Christians, who are primarily tasked with peacekeeping. By not engaging in peacemaking efforts, Christians may risk becoming irrelevant and could potentially face the prospect of rejection in God’s Kingdom. This leaves them with no consolation other than anticipating rejection and punishment along with God’s adversaries. This remains true even though they may have been recognized as ‘Christians’ by the world’s population. Is there any other warning that Christians could consider as more grave than the one previously mentioned?
The time to start and commit to God’s work is not tomorrow, but now. It may not be necessary to gather others when one assumes the role of a peace-maker. Any Christian who perceives serious conflicts and does nothing to address them is shirking their responsibility. For Christians, there is no greater urgency than resolving conflicts that commonly lead to loss of life. The Christian mandate remains unfulfilled. The teachings of Jesus continue to be as relevant today as they were in the beginning. The only option is to buckle up and prepare to do what is necessary.
“For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:13-21 NKJV).
Embracing the role of a new creation means shedding intimidation when engaging in the pursuit of peace, fearlessly. Guided by the Spirit, Jesus emphasized that the fundamental duty of Christianity is the creation of peace. This responsibility is exclusive to those who identify as Christians. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is challenging, yet it is a necessary part of Christian practice. Taking such action does not necessitate soliciting support from other Christians, as the individual is mindful that they will be accountable solely to God.
Achieving positive results in reconciliation efforts may start with small steps, like resolving familial disputes. When guided by the Spirit of God, this practice can grow to affect society, nations, and even the international community. These actions are not for show but are carried out with the understanding that they are the work of God. For a believer committed to faithfulness to God, all things are possible. For a Christian, even death cannot be a hindrance.
Where are the peacemakers when devastating conditions prevail across the world? Becoming a Christian means one should not see themselves as ordinary. Being committed to being a conduit of peace, one should consider nothing more important than yielding results. What are the statistics for achieving results as a peacemaker as time passes? Jesus said that one cannot put their hands on the plough and look back. Words without action are hollow. The necessary action in the field is to approach conflict zones and recommend peaceful resolutions.
Perhaps the most urgent task of a peace-maker is to reconcile fellow peace-makers to effectively utilize resources. Achieving results is unattainable when those dedicated to reconciliation work are at odds. Peace-makers are hindered until they unite in their efforts. The primary cause of disunity among peace-makers could be the consideration of leadership, especially when the peace-making process becomes a source of income. Instead, the Holy Spirit should guide. The role of peace-making is to fulfil the mission in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:1-6 NKJV).
Disagreements among peace-makers ought to be viewed as more grave than the conflicts themselves where lives are lost on the battlefield. Some indeed enter Christianity for personal gain rather than to contribute. However, the true essence lies in joining Christianity to give rather than to receive. When the Christian mandate is understood by all, confusion dissipates. Following this, love must be considered, for without it, progress in any endeavour is unattainable. One cannot truly sacrifice for others unless they love them as God does.
Trust is the most valuable asset that every peacemaker should strive to earn. Who can be entrusted with the task ahead, which involves improving the environment? Jesus sacrificed His life for us, so our response should also be to fulfil the mandate given to us. A peacemaker must consider those caught in war situations, who may be completely unrelated to the cause of the conflict. The loss of human life cannot be compared with any loss in this world.
“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this, we know love because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:10-18 NKJV).
As God’s children, peacemakers align their thoughts with those of God. They make sacrifices in the manner that Christ did. Jesus’ primary motivation was the salvation of humanity, prioritizing it over His own well-being. To be deemed worthy of being called Jesus’ sibling, one must emulate His actions. The role of a peacemaker is a constant calling, always presenting opportunities for action. Indeed, this field requires more individuals than any other pursuit.
Jesus is often viewed as the supreme authority on matters deemed significant in the world. When avoiding the topic, one might shift the discussion to different activities, yet these cannot surpass the significance of peacemaking. In Christianity, any activity aims to bolster efforts towards peace. Gatherings should focus not on self-interest but on devising plans to achieve primary goals. Open communication is key to addressing the reasons behind failing to meet objectives, and any obstacles in the path should be addressed.
The most fulfilling endeavour in life is to be a conduit through which someone else can escape their troubles. Without the act of aiding others, the very purpose of existence seems to dissipate. It is what we do for others that truly matters, not what we do for ourselves. The sacrifice of Jesus was not for Himself but for all of us. He prioritized service over being served. That is why Jesus is considered a Master only by His followers and not by those who fail to acknowledge His presence. Jesus is Lord, but only to His followers.
Peacemakers are not preoccupied with worldly concerns; they are focused on the issues that led Jesus to sacrifice Himself on the cross. Jesus was consumed with the redemption of humanity from suffering throughout His life. In contrast, those absorbed in worldly matters tend to ignore what happens beyond their own doors, prioritizing personal interests over the needs of others. A person fixated on self-interest is often unable to attend to the interests of others, just as one who is concerned with the welfare of others may neglect their own needs. This is simply a matter of common sense. The physical body of a peacemaker is for others more than it is for oneself.
Connecting with fellow peacemakers is not challenging, as individuals with shared interests often find a natural connection, almost as if they have always known each other. A friendly affection exists among those with similar passions. It’s not necessary to focus solely on those nearby. Numerous people also yearn to connect with someone who feels isolated. The children of God are bonded together, despite being separated by language and other perceived obstacles. They embody Christ, making no task too difficult for them. These individuals stand out as beacons of change in a world rife with confusion.
Wherever individuals may be, they embody Christ. The environment should sense their presence, transcending current circumstances. The aspirations of God’s children encompass the globe, and their presence significantly contributes to the world’s sustenance. Without them, the environment would falter, even though their influence often goes unnoticed.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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