City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 (The Amplified Bible)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Reflection

There is a different definition of peace in our world compared to that of the Bible. Biblical peace is that of an inward calmness that comes from knowing that God is in control. The world fights for their warped definition of peace that causes more strife than it does good. A leader of a country may believe that peace comes form conquering another country for purposes of security and control. Someone may fight for a promotion and put others down in hopes of better financial stability and future for their offspring to give them peace. Many things can be justified in the pursuit of peace but few attain it.

Peace, in how Jesus defines it, are those who spread the hope of God to those around them. They are peacemakers in giving the hope of what Jesus can do for them. If we all believe that God will take care of us if we trust in Him, then what is there to be anxious about? There is a reason why this is a missional statement more than what most may think it is.

Application

I remember one time speaking to someone about Jesus. This person believed that Christianity sounded good, but it was not for them. Though, before we finished talking, they pointed out something that I had not noticed before. They said that, there was something that all Christians that they met had in common. There was a sense of peace in their lives. So I thought to myself, why did they see this peace over anything else? My conclusion was that this peace they saw came from my dependence on God. As it says in Romans 8:31, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” My trust and hope is in God and this is why I have peace. So are you showing this peace in your own life?

If you wish to be a maker and maintainer of peace, then speak to others about the peace that God can give them. This peace is the only way that the world can change for the better.

Prayer

Father in heaven, help me to trust You for all my needs. Let Your peace guide my life so I can live to show this to those around me. Let them know that You are founder and provider of our lives and can give us true rest and true peace. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.