“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
When is the last time you “made every effort” to accomplish something? Better yet, when did you last “exhaust” yourself for the sake of something, anything? I can remember the last half marathon I ran. It wasn’t pretty. Foolishly, I spent little time training for race day, and for the two weeks leading up to the race, I charged right through training, starting with 1 mile and ending with 13.1. Not very bright, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but needless to say, I paid the price come race day. My muscles had not had sufficient time to prepare themselves for the big run, and it took me days to recover after the race. I can hardly remember a time when I was so exhausted and pulling on every ounce of mental toughness I could conjure up just to make it to the finish line in one piece. I was exhausted. I gave every last bit of effort and extended all the energy I had, but I did cross the finish line. Exhausted.
Perhaps now we have a better picture of what we’re looking at today in Hebrews 12:14. When the writer of Hebrews instructs us to “make every effort”, the word “exhaust” should come to mind. Rather, when relational conflict arises, we tend to ignore, avoid, relocate, or even brush it under the rug, taking the elephant in the room approach, and we tend to do this with the sad excuse of, “I’m just not a confrontational person.” I’m not suggesting that God desires us to be confrontational, at least not in the way that we understand that word, but He does desire that we live at peace with everyone. It says it right here in His Word.
So what does this mean for you and I as we live out this thing called life, day in and day out? Well, first it requires a large dose of humility. Let’s face it, you are not always right. Neither am I. Of course, we know that in our heads, but for some reason, that knowledge hasn’t transferred to our hearts. Certainly we’ve been wronged, insulted, offended, or unappreciated. Ok, well so was Christ, and part of following Him would be to count the cost and to share in His sufferings. Suffering as Christ suffered makes us more like Christ. Secondly, I would suggest to you today that you can be “right” but still be “wrong” depending on how you handle the situation. This is a tough lesson I’m learning as of late. Do you know what I mean? I’m not saying to lie down and become someone’s doormat, but every point does not always need to be made. Again, embrace humility, and as Christ, consider others better than yourself (Philippians 2). Sometimes the greater obedience is to simply close our mouths, bite the tongue, and listen. Maybe this is the catalyst in “living at peace with all men”. Proverbs tells us that where there are many words, there is sin. Not surprising, as one who talks A LOT, I fully understand the weight of that truth.
The conviction I have been carrying lately and one I’d like to pass on to you all today is this:
Are you seeking to be a peacemaker or are you more concerned with being right?
Sadly, I must confess that although my words would resound more with the former, my actions have more often spoken the latter. However, I want to change. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to be humble. I want to be a peacemaker. Let us agree to today to seek peace and pursue it.
{“Every effort to live in peace with “everyone, ”}
– Your words today, – Cherie – opened this verse up to me. I do love how God makes it clear to us in black and white. No grey areas in this verse, ya know! His will for us today is clearly stated: “ live in peace…with everyone.” So, how does that look? Mutual harmony especially in our personal relationships and lack of hostility. Freedom from strife & violence. Peace: to be silent or still, – is the wording dictionary.com gives us.
Wow, that is not exactly easy in today’s fast-moving-paced-society! How often in our day do we remain silent and still?
Seems like satan opposes God’s will for us and at every opportunity will try to get us to do the opposite of what God’s desire is. When we are still and silent we are clearly in a frame of mind to hear Him speak to us; and, when we are opposing those around us and in the middle of strife and conflict our minds are not in the position to Hear God’s faint whispers. We’re “busy” rather than “watching for Him” in our midst. Oh, how often we must miss His shining glory looming right in front of us!
May our focus never leave God’s heart: furthering His kingdom. God’s kingdom is expanded in peaceful environments. Jesus we need you! Help us listen with an intention to do Your will today. Give us Your ears to hear the needs around us. Help us to be more in tune to the needs of others’ rather than seeking what we desire! Help us to remain silent and still as You work through us, building Your kingdom one seed at a time.
I’m still thinking about your post Cherie! : ) At the break of the new day when it was still dark outside I felt a tug inside. I saw God’s heat desire. PEACE And, at the same time I saw a clearer picture, – the enemy opposes God’s desire of peace and will do whatever it takes to divide people.
People are human and sinful. All humans have a sinful heart. Day by day, God in His loving mercy is changing our hearts’ – giving us a new heart that loves Him wholeheartedly! Only God is dependable. Words flying out of our mouth, -time and time again, – continue to cause friction. And, I believe the solution is quite simple, or rather it is simple to “know it,” bet only possible to “live it” through the loving and so undeserved, – grace of God. When words of others’ upset us we have an opportunity to allow God to do some transformation work in us. Oh, Dear Father, “May Your love draw us closer to You rather than away from people.” – – – That was my God moment early today! By keeping peace, we can let words that normally bring a reaction, bring us closer to God! As we stop and pray, God will open up His will to us in every situation. He will give us eyes to see the hurt in those around us. He will help us love those who are hard to listen to. Those who do not think like we do. The pesky ones that God means for good in our path! The ones He created with His very own hands! Only a big God with a kingdom purpose in mind, – could use the enemy to draw us closer to Him!