Patterns and Principles – Part 10

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

Peacemakers: Peacemakers thrive when life is calm. They love the verse: ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1) They make excellent therapists and mediators, and can usually bring reconciliation to families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. But sometimes they’re inclined to seek peace at any price, use their relational skills to blend in, and avoid taking the initiative or assuming risks because of their undue attachment to comfort and security. They often suffer from ‘terminal niceness’ when courage is what’s really required. Abraham is a great illustration of a peacemaker. When he and his nephew Lot began to prosper, a feud broke out between their herdsmen because the land was too small to accommodate all their cattle. Realizing it could split the family, Abraham took action, dealt with the problem, and saved the relationship. On the other hand, when King Abimelech saw Abraham’s wife, Sarah, and wanted to make her part of his harem, Abraham, fearing for his life, acted like a coward and said, ‘She is my sister’ (Genesis 20:2). It’s critical to recognize your pattern sins so you can deal with them effectively. Jesus warned about those who go around taking specks out of other people’s eyes, while failing to notice the ‘log’ in their own (see Matthew 7:3). Your pattern sin is so appealing that it’s your biggest danger, and it’s so close to you that you’re apt not to see it. David prayed, ‘Cleanse…me from secret faults. Keep…thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me’ (Psalm 19:12-13).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a peacemaker, but not at the cost of compromising Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen