Has the world gone nuts in the last couple weeks, or is it just me? I’m not as outspoken on social causes as many of my colleagues but allow me to make an observation.
Although I “grew up” during the 1970’s, I was heavily influenced by the turmoil of the ‘60’s. You see, my oldest brother served in Vietnam, so even though I was young, I became socially aware of the world around me. The news was dominated by demonstrations against the war and made statements like, “Question authority!” and “Don’t trust anyone over the age of 30!” Reflecting on it became part of my family’s dinner conversation.
I don’t remember either of my parents saying this, or exactly when, where or how I developed this thought, but here goes: All those demonstrations and riots and pickets and protests didn’t accomplish anything. Using violence to react to violence has never ended well…and I don’t think it ever will.
Understand I’m not talking about limiting anyone’s freedom to assemble and state their opinion. In the midst of all this turmoil, I remember a simple, but powerful lesson: “I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” In other words, in this country, anyone has the right to express their opinion…whether I personally agree with it or not. No matter how stupid or misguided someone’s opinion is…they have the right to express it. And reacting violently to another person’s opinions doesn’t change anything.
During the 1960’s, there was one man with a different vision who used something more powerful – a peaceful use of a biblical worldview. Martin Luther King brought about change by encouraging non-violence; by promoting peace and by intercepting hate in exchange for love. And he died for the sake of that cause. Centuries ago, a man by the name of Jesus of Nazareth used the same strategy and his death and resurrection changed the world
If you really want to change the world around you, get to know this Jesus. During his final discussion with his disciples, he told them, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT) Allow this gift to work in you.
Peace in this world is usually defined as the absence of conflict. The peace of Christ is confident assurance in any circumstance. The world around us focuses on sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt and so many other forces at war within us. Jesus said he will give us this peace if we are willing to accept it from him. This is the peace that really does go beyond our understanding, and that truly changes hearts to transform the world. What do you think?
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
St. Francis of Assisi