0849. Follow Peace
Follow Peace
"Follow peace with all men" (Heb_12:24).
Certainly those who are recipients of peace from God should follow peace with men. If the Kingdom of God is peace (see Rom_14:17); we should follow after the things which make for peace (see Rom_14:19).
Some of the ways in which we should follow after peace are worth considering.
1. We should live peaceably with all men. Rom_12:18 : "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
The believer should not be contentious. We should contend for the faith, but not in a contentious, combative and carnal way. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" (2Ti_2:24).
The believer should be subject to ordinances. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers (authorities) * * for this cause pay ye tribute" (Rom_13:1, Rom_13:6).
The believer should live honestly toward those who are without (see 1Th_4:12), Christ even went so far as to pay the tribute money that was claimed but not justly due (see Mat_17:27), lest He should have offended the ungodly.
A child of God who is forever raising a row, is certainly not adorning the Gospel of God.
2. We should be at peace among ourselves. 1Th_5:13 : "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Paul wrote: "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (Php_4:2). Those who are not living in peace with faithful brethren, are not perfect in the Lord.
All believers are baptized in one Spirit into one body. As far as can be done, let us keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (see Eph_4:3). Satan is too willing to divide us into schisms and divisions if he can.
3. True peace must be in the unity of the Spirit. Christ prayed that we might be one even as He and the Father were one. Joh_17:11 : "Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are."
In all that has been said there is nothing that calls us to an evil fellowship or to any wrong alliance for the sake of peace. Our unity must be "of the Spirit" or else there can be no bond of peace.
Higher critics often plead a "universal brotherhood" and a "together" spirit at the cost of vital truth and loyalty to God. Such a union is wholly contrary to the Word of God. Study 2Co_6:14-17.
How can we sing:
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love,"
unless there is a fellowship of kindred minds? unless our hopes, our aims and our faith are one?
In following after the things that make for peace, we have no warrant to effect a fellowship with men, by breaking our fellowship with God. It is only "as much as lieth in you," live peaceably with all men.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR