Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
World peace.
That’s just something we hear Miss America sneak into the interview stage every year, right? Or is it a moody basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers? I’m not even sure anymore…
In this age, living in peace with everyone seems to be impossible.
It seems like everyone is fighting. Nations are constantly fighting other nations. States are constantly fighting other states. There are television networks whose only mission is to keep the fight going between both sides. The Maury Show has been airing for over 20 years (it’s sin-dicated! #rimshot) with the basic premise of broadcasting, for the nation to see, people airing their dirty laundry and literally fighting like spoiled children.
We call this entertainment.
In athletics, games are becoming life and death situations to some. A college football fan will write a person off based solely on the team they support. A group of soccer fans will riot and literally stomp people to death after their team is dealt a loss.
Again, we call this entertainment.
It’s when you seek some shelter from the storm that you walk into the seemingly safe world of American religion and find rock bands, light shows, and supremely polished motivational speakers amidst a world of pointing fingers where churches are fighting churches, Christians are fighting Christians, and most bizarrely, the god that they implore you to follow seems to be okay with it.
Imagine yourself on the outside looking in… Is it any wonder that the American church is having trouble making Jesus seem relevant?
My fellow Refugees, we are at a tipping point. As followers of Christ, we have to different. We have to be a bright light in this world of darkness! We have been commissioned by the King and Creator of the universe to share our faith with that hungry world right outside our front door.
We can’t do this if we’re fighting.
Do your best to live in peace with those around you today. If you’ve given your life to Christ, you have no excuse not to.
