Steadfast, Immovable, Abounding

This is the seventh installment in my series of posts on the beatitudes.

“‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’”

Matthew 5:9

            What do you want to be known for? We all desire a reputation of some kind; and whether we realize it or not, we all probably have one. The things we seek, the goals that motivate us to action, and the problems that arouse our sympathy—these are the things which build the character we present to the world. There are fundamental principles, whether good or bad, that people associate with each of us. Again I ask, what do you want to be known for? The best thing we can be characterized by isn’t power or strength. It isn’t confidence, intellect, or ambition. It isn’t beauty or creativity. The greatest tribute we can be given is the recognition that we are children of God. Just like people see family resemblance in our physical features, they should see our Heavenly Father in our words, our actions, and our very personality.

Jesus says that peacemakers will be called sons of God. In Galatians 3:26-27, Paul writes, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” All who are saved by God, paid for by the blood of His Son, and delivered from their sin are adopted into His family, turned from enemies into sons. Romans 8:14-17 says, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” I seem to see more beauty in that passage every time I read it. I especially love the phrase “the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” As Christians, we don’t have to wonder about our salvation, or doubt if God has really accepted us. His Spirit assures us that we are His forever.

What does all of this have to do with being a peacemaker? Jesus doesn’t just say that peacemakers are sons of God (although we know all Christians are); He says they will be called sons of God. When we seek to live in peace and promote an environment of peace, the world will recognize a difference in us that can only come from God. The world pretends to praise and encourage peacemaking. But really, people are only satisfied with peace when it benefits them. We have been conditioned to keep fighting until we get what we want, make friends with our adversary, and label that “peacemaking.” That’s not God’s idea of peace.

In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul writes, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Christians have more in common than anyone else on earth: we are sinners saved by God’s grace. Paul continues later in the chapter, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” Our actions and attitudes prove our salvation to the world. People can seemingly do nothing without conflict, yet God tells Christians to do all things without disputing. We should so highly prioritize Christ’s glory that we care nothing for winning an argument. The world wants so badly to be “right” that it will compromise every value rather than lose. But our lives should proclaim that God is right, and that we are only right if we speak His word. God has put us into this world to bring it His peace, not to draw others into conflict. If we overflow with God’s peace, the world will know we are children of God. That is the greatest reputation we could ever hope for.

When we seek peace with the people around us, we are showing them the Peacemaker who has saved us. Jesus is the Judge who requires justice, the Mediator who secures our freedom, and the Sacrifice who pays our debt. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Don’t wait for the world to reach out to you. God knew you couldn’t come to His throne to make peace with Him, so He came to you. He made the first move. Do the same for the lost people around you. James writes, “The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17-18). When you seek healing in your broken relationships, you are planting seeds that God can use to produce righteousness. Don’t give up on the lost people in your life—Jesus didn’t give up on you.