PURSUE PEACE

"Pursue peace with all men . . . " (Heb 12:14, NASB)

THE PEACE IN THIS TEXT is "with all men." That requires an aggressive effort because we have not been reconciled to all men, as we have to God. Our reconciliation to God, in fact, has separated us from the course of this world, thus alienating us from those who are not in Christ Jesus. However distasteful it may appear, it is still true: "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Thus it is written, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you" (1 John 3:13). It is true of those who have believed on Christ through the Apostolic word, just as surely as it was true of the Apostles: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:12). Yet, we are admonished to "pursue peace with all men!"

A NEEDFUL EXHORTATION
This is a needful exhortation because of the enmity that is produced by our faith. Salvation is experienced in the presence of our enemies – in a hostile and cursed world. We pursue peace with all men like Abraham pursued it with the herdsmen of Lot (Gen 13:8). In this case, separation was necessary. Yet, Abraham pursued peace, making every effort to have no part with initiating friction and enmity. The peace may not be able to be made and kept by you, but you can seek it fervently, as did the Psalmist (Psa 120:6-7).

PURSUING PEACE OFTEN INVOLVES a soft word, which "turns away wrath" (Prov 15:1). The servant of God is to avoid things that make for fleshly strife and agitation (2 Tim 2:23-24). It also requires pleasing the Lord, who can make our enemies be at peace with us (Prov 16:7). Remember, our Lord Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God" (Matt 5:9, NKJV).

WHY PURSUE PEACE?
Why should we pursue peace with all men? The New Covenant, as administered by the Lord Jesus Christ is in view. In a very real sense, the New Covenant is "a covenant of peace." Ezekiel spoke of this covenant. "Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them" (Ezek 37:26). This covenant is characterized by "peace with God" (Rom 5:1). The variance between God and man is brought to a grinding halt in Christ Jesus.

THIS PEACE ALSO EXISTS among the members of Christ, who are charged with keeping "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). They start out in harmony with their brothers and sisters. Their job is to maintain that unity.

PEACE IS TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE like a calm sea is to the sailor. It enables the child of God to make progress in the new life. Just as it is difficult to navigate the sea in a storm, so negotiating the sea of life in an unpeaceful environment is hard. A little personal reflection will confirm this to be the case. Particularly in the New Covenant, "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). The nature of this covenant demands that we energetically pursue "peace with all men." It is within the framework of peace and tranquility that we will enjoy the fulness of God's blessing.

THIS IS WHY WE PRAY for kings and those in authority. "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim 2:1-2). Our primary interest is not the political arena, but advancement in the Spirit. There are enough difficulties associated with spiritual growth without having needless agitation all about us.

IF WE DO NOT ZEALOUSLY SEEK PEACE with all men, we will be hindered by the lack of that blessed condition. How fervently we should pray for such an environment. It is a better course of action than political activism. God has an interest in His people. He is more apt to hear prayers offered for their maturity than for the recovery of a nation, however noble that may appear.

BECAUSE OF OUR LOWER NATURE
There is a propensity in the natural man to actually shun peace. The fallen nature seeks selfish interests, with no desire to adapt to the needs of others. Every day a thousand reasons will seem to justify discord. The "flesh," or sinful nature, is inclined to "hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies" (Gal 5:20). The fallen nature is assertive, refusing to remain idle. It must be crucified and subordinated with zeal. Particularly among brethren, it is imperative that peace be maintained. "Be at peace among yourselves," the Spirit exhorts (1 Thess 5:13).

AT EVERY POINT the peace depends upon us, effort is to be extended for it to be realized. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom 12:18, NKJV). All the while, we remember the words of our Lord Jesus. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt 5:9). Your own experience will confirm to you that perceiving the Lord is more difficult in times of agitation and turmoil. A peaceful surrounding is preferred by all believers. It is not only worthy pursuing peace, it is a necessity to do so.

IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD that the pursuit of peace is to be within the boundary of faith. Such a pursuit is not to involve the compromise of the truth, or a lessening of devotion to God.

– Given O. Blakely