Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/85

Contributor - Dorothy Klynstra

Title - Peace In Our Community

Topic - Peace

How many people in your community are peacemakers? Who do you know who lives a life that reflects Shalom? Who really tries to increase the wholeness, justice and well-being of God's creatures? Those are tough questions. The less peaceful people stand out in our minds. Just thinking about who is peaceful, you've probably thought of 10 people who are not, and passed judgment on them. Even by saying that, I have passed judgment on you. Let's look at how each one of us can be a peacemaker in the community by obeying the law, not passing judgment, and building up one another.

Most people are familiar with the song, "Peace Like a River". That phrase comes from "I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the seas." (Isaiah 48:17, 18) God loves peace, and He loves us. That's why He gave us those commands to follow. It is repeated that peace comes from following God's law in Psalm II 9:1455; "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."

Many people have broken God's laws and felt restless later. We all know someone who has broken the law ourselves included. Obeying the law is the way for each of us to strive towards community peace.

The shooting murder of a local policeman recently, disturbed our community peace. I did not know Jack Ross. A newspaper quote said; "He did not back down." Perhaps part of his motivation was an inner peace - evidently he loved the law, being a police officer - and that led to confidence. Conversely, 22 year old Dennis Colic did not have peace after breaking the law. Yes, one person's obeying the law can support or destroy community peace.

How should a peacemaker respond to the act of murder? Many cry capital punishment'. Peacemakers, don't be hasty! "Vengeance is mine, says the Lord." The first murderer was marked and sent off to live elsewhere. Another part of the Bible says "an eye foy an eye". Another stresses forgiveness. Different reactions to the same act. Perhaps death was a deterrent at one time. Evidently Jesus Christ did not see it that'. way. So what's the answer now? Psalm 37:37 says; "Consider the blameless, observe the upright, there is a future foy the man of peace, but all the sinners will be destroyed." Let's make sure we're on the right side in the end.

Looking at the issue of murder helps us see how good we are. After all we don't do that! I believe we have a big attitude problem called "moral indignity". That's where we think we are so good because someone else is so bad. How contrary to peace! If we were wise, we wouldn't be morally indignant. "The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (James 13:17, 18) If you feel smug or morally indignant picture yourself in this poem.

I dreamed death came the other night,

And Heaven's gates swung wide.

With kindly grace an angel

Ushered me inside.

And there to my astonishment

Stood folks I'd known on earth

Some I'd labelled righteously

As "unfit" or "little worth".

Indignant words rose to my lips,

But were never set free

For every face showed stunned surprise

No one expected me!

Don't tear the other person down but build him up. This year's R.C.Y.F. theme is "Building the Body of Believers". So let's cut the gossip, which incidently could be a form of murder - psychological - and put out more gospel. I can't help but wonder if someone would have talked less behind Dennis Colic's back and more to him how his life would have gone. Let's look at not only building up ourselves as believers, but encouraging others also. We can increase our unity by keeping peace.

I close with Paul's words that express my thoughts. "Finally brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

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