C A R L B. G A R N E R

'PEACE IN OUR TIME'

The entire world was on "pins and needles" as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain of England and Premier Edouard Daladier of France met with Adolph Hitler in Munich. The month was September, and the year was 1938. The Third Reich was threatening war over their need for "lebensraum," or sufficient living space for the German people. War seemed imminent, and Hitler had no scruples against taking by force whatever he wanted. Munich became synonymous with appeasement when Chamberlain and Daladier "gave" Czechoslovakia to Hitler to avoid all-out war. Speaking to the British Parliament, Chamberlain claimed that by so doing, they had "achieved peace in our time." At first, newsmen lauded a peace that had been "achieved," but eventually realized that not peace, but World War II resulted from the negotiations. Munich had proved to Hitler that neither Britain nor France would oppose his appetite for territory. The "peace" obtained was temporary at best, and war spread over the world from east to west and north to south. You might think that we would learn a lesson from that sad situation, but evidently we have not done so. Man still seems to think peace comes from politics, education, popularity, wealth, power....and compromise.

In His sermon on the mountain, Jesus included the subject of peace as a part of the beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God," Matthew 5:9. When Paul described the fruit of the Spirit, he wrote: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law," Galatians 5:22-23. It is obvious that God has great respect for the quality of peace. But man, with all his words of praise for peace, has had precious little of it. What did Jesus mean when He spoke of "peacemakers"? And what kind of peace does God have in mind for His children?

PEACE
The Greek word for peace is eirene, which definition includes such qualities as, "tranquility, rest, security, quietness, accord, felicity." One who is a peace-maker is just what it would seem to be: one who brings about peace. Interestingly enough, the world of Jesus' day, and the Jews themselves, did not think of peace as merely the absence of conflict or warfare, but the presence of all good. We often speak of peace today as the absence of war. While that is part of the meaning of the word, more is intended. It is clear from what Jesus told His disciples that the peace He wished for them was not merely the absence of problems or conflict. In fact, He warned that their lives would include persecution, opposition and even death. "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me," John 16:1-3.

No, God has not promised that we will face no enemies or meet no opposition, but that being a child of God will enable us to possess tranquility even while being opposed. Satan does not give up on us just because we are in God's family, but intensifies his assaults on us. Johnny Ramsey often says, "When we follow Christ it does not mean we will have no difficulties. It simply means God will supply, by His grace, sufficient strength to meet the problems (2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Peter 5:7)." What a promise!

PEACEMAKERS
Jesus exalted the work of those who go about making peace, or bringing about the circumstances in which peace can be enjoyed. It is worthy of note that there is more to peace than desiring it, loving it, and demanding it. "Blessed are the peacemakers..." If we desire to have this blessing, it will be necessary for us to be busy making peace for ourselves and for others.
Who is a peacemaker?
1. The only true peace is the "peace that passeth understanding," that is promised to Christians who think on things that are "true...honest...just... pure...lovely...of good report," Philippians 4:4-9. Few know of this peace, but a peacemaker shows others the Christ and His way of life. If you really want to be a true peacemaker, teach others the gospel of Jesus Christ so they may enjoy that peace. That is a real privilege.
2. The book of Proverbs says God hates the one who "soweth discord among brethren," Proverbs 6:19. A peacemaker will refuse to be the instrument by which discord exists, even if it might further his own personal interests to do otherwise.
3. Words are often the means by which peace is either exhibited or destroyed. Solomon said, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger," Proverbs 15:1. Peacemakers learn how to temper their words, refusing to "stir up anger" when that is not necessary, Romans 12:18.
4. You can never be a peacemaker for others until you make peace with God and with yourself. Until then, guilt, not peace will abound for you. If you would enjoy the "peace of God," you must be in a right relationship with God. Until that is the case, that hope of eternal life which is the foundation of genuine tranquility and contentment can never be yours. Why not commit your life to Him. Then you will be known as "the children of God," and enjoy His wonderful peace.