1 Peter 3:11 He must turn away from
wickedness and instead do good; he must be a peace seeker and constantly practice
it. (JSV)
I recently read that in
order to eradicate poverty across the planet, it would cost about $125 billion
per year. It sounds like an immense cost, but then I read the next line: the
world spends $1738 billion each year on war. In other words, we could eradicate
poverty for ten years with what we spend on fighting one another in any twelve
months. It made me think that if ever there was a Universe award for Stupid
Species across the Cosmos, it would surely go to humankind each year.
What we do to one
another is monstrous and it may be that we will eventually destroy ourselves
completely because of our stubborn, prejudicial, and belligerent ways. This
year sees the centennial anniversary of World War 1, which used to be called “The
Great War” because it was thought to be the war to end all wars. Sadly, within
a generation, World War 2 occurred, proving to God and the rest of the universe
how foolishly bellicose we really are.
As human beings, we
have the potential, as well as the resources, to rid our planet of the scourge
of poverty. Instead, we sinfully waste and squander our opportunities by enslaving
or slaying one another. We have the ability to conquer many diseases, as well
as to feed, clothe, and educate every person on this planet, but we throw it
all away on war.
As Christians, we
should be at the forefront of seeking and making peace across the planet
because we call our leader the ‘Prince of Peace.’ Sadly, we are just as
bellicose inside and outside of the church, following our own heresies of
pride, prejudice, and protagonism, on both sides of the theological spectrum,
creating our own little wars which shamefully divide the Church and diminish
Christ’s work in the world.
One day, Jesus will
return and, as the old song states, we will study war no more. However, between
now and then, we should prepare His way among us by practicing His way between
us. Otherwise, we are just wasting our God given talents and squandering our
sacred resources.
Questions for personal reflection
How
do I seek and practice peace in my life? How does this shape my Christian beliefs?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes we are
hopeless when it comes to being peace seekers in our homes, churches, and
communities. We let pride painfully separate us from our loved ones. We allow
prejudice to contaminate our souls. We allow belligerence to dictate how we
express our faith. Forgive us, Lord, for being peace breakers instead of peace
seekers. Challenge our sinful ways so that we may truly cherish You as the
Prince of Peace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message or ask some
questions, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s
called ‘Promised One.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click
on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/14146360152_17b1a0693a_b.jpg
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