Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
For a year, we haven’t seen anything like the peace on earth mentioned at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:14). While each political party blames the other for problems, we’re learning much of the destruction was likely caused by anarchists because they want to live without rules. They’ve infiltrated peaceful public gatherings of both political parties to wreak havoc after the patriotic attendees departed.
Patriots love and zealously but legally support their homeland, in this case, the United States of America, including our governmental system, whoever is elected. By definition, you cannot be an American patriot and not love America first.
Violent anarchy is insurrection against our system of government — actually any system of government — and must be soundly put down before America even can begin to restore peace. While our Constitution provides for peaceable assembly, it also calls for governmental action against insurrection to maintain peace. Consequently, anyone supporting violent assemblies or insurrection has directly violated the Constitution.
This being said, there’s only one way perfect peace can occur. The King James Version of the Bible renders Luke 2:14 as, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The Standard and New International Versions provide a more literal translation of, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased (or, on whom his favor rests).”
While Jesus is our peace (among peoples and between humankind and God), he also said he came to bring division (Ephesians 2:14-18; Matthew 10:34-39). By this he meant a separation between Christians and even worldly family members, but it doesn’t mean we’re to become sequestered from life in the world (John 17:13-19).
Christians will have a tough time on earth, but God wants us here to promote peace between him and the world, which also leads to peace among men on whom his favor rests (2 Timothy 3:12-13; John 17:20-26; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; Matthew 5:11-16; 1 Peter 2:11-12; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 15:15-16). So, to have peace, even as the Americans, we must find out what pleases God (Ephesians 5:8-17).
This means Christians rejoice in the Lord and exhibit his peace (Philippians 4:4-9; John 14:27). While God’s peace passes understanding, it still is evident to all and attractive to those without it, but desiring it (Titus 2:1-14; 1 Peter 3:15-16). God showed his desire for peace with humankind through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Christians should follow that example by demonstrating peace in our lives despite the rebellion against God being exhibited through political insurrection.
Jesus said even Christians can’t have peace with God if we don’t have peace with each other (Matthew 5:23-24, 38-42; 7:12; Romans 12:17 to 13:5; John 13:34-35). So, Christians, let’s glorify God and peacefully agree on the truth of God’s word for which Jesus prayed that leads to peace among men (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:1-16).
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]