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Peaceful Living

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace (Romans 14:19)

Are you a scrapper? Many Americans are. Here in Brazil Americans are often viewed as fighters or even bullies. When I first heard this I was a bit put off. I always vied us as peace-keepers. Either the peace is kept or we kill everyone! Oops. Is America a peaceful nation? I guess that it depends on which side of the gun barrel you find yourself.

Paul says that we are to "follow after" peaceful things. That means to "pursue or chase after" them. The other day I did that. I chased something. It was't peace, however. A weirdo cut me off in traffic and then had the gall to be mad at me for staying on his bumper for a block or two.

I praise the Lord that my van is not equipped with heat-seeking missals. If it were all of the Boom-Box bums, Maniac Motorcyclists and Cut-off Clowns would pay dearly. Of course I NEVER do any of those stupid thing.

Was I chasing peace? No. I wanted to let that guy know that he had cramped my style. He had invaded sacred territory, that 100 yards in front of my tank... er van. I was chasing my selfishness.

Pursuing peace means that I let my offenders live to see another day. It even means that I don't see them as "offenders" but as needy souls who need the Savior.

Pursuing peace goes against my grain. That's why Paul mentions it. This reference is the second in his letter to the church in Rome. The other is found in chapter 12 verse 18, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Thanks Paul but I really didn't want to hear that!

Do you know what verse that I was memorizing when that dear soul entered my holy space? Romans 12.19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Don't tell me that God doesn't have a sense of humor or I'll... love you to death!

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