Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

Our country is at a point of turmoil and unrest right now. It seems as if there are many issues that have people on edge, and so much offense being experienced at the present moment. With the recent national events including decisions of the United States Supreme Court regarding Obamacare and same-sex marriage, to a whole host of issues we are facing as a nation, people are uptight and at odds.

How do we find balance and peace in the midst of all of this? How do we find common ground in the middle of conflict? I used to hear my dad say, “At my age, all I want is peace.” I tend to feel the same way now. Perhaps there are some ways we might strike a balance.

I believe we need to get back to the basics of treating everyone with honor and respect. Every life matters, whether it be red, yellow, black, white, gay, straight, born, pre-born, religious, non-religious, etc. Every life matters. In every person we can find redeeming values. We may not find much agreement sometimes, but every life matters to God and should matter to us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.

We need to do a better job at simply tending to our own business. America has been built on the foundation of self governance and individual responsibility. When we tend our own garden in life rather than our neighbor’s, things seem to go better for all of us. The book of Proverbs has some great insight into this subject: “He that passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him is like one that grabs a mad dog by the ears,” Proverbs 26:17.

We need to do better at agreeing to disagree without being disagreeable. Many times, this is easier said than done, but still, it is doable if we work at it. Proverbs 20:3 teaches us, “It is to a person’s honor to avoid strife but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

And finally, we need to seek for peace. The scriptures offer some great promises concerning peace. “You will keep them in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on you, because they trust you,” Isaiah 26:3, and “The peace of God which transcends all human understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7. What a beautiful thing, to live in peace. Most times, the ordinary natural life does not offer much peace, but the supernatural life that God promises to his followers offers the kind of peace that goes far beyond our understanding. The life that Jesus Christ offers to his true followers is one of peace in the midst of life storms.

If you are not experiencing that kind of peace, I invite you to come into relationship with this one, Jesus Christ. The scriptures refer to him as the Prince of Peace. Through him, in him and because of him, we can find the peace we need to live fulfilling lives.

 

The Rev. George Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church.