Waging Peace

[Maryanne Winder Lester]

Waging Peace 3/31/2010

My dear friends,

All of you who are of my same generation remember the anti-war slogan, “Make love, not war.” This slogan became the mantra for the Viet Nam conflict. The hippies of San Francisco held their hands in the air with their 1^st 2 fingers extended to symbolize Peace. And during the summer of Love in 1967, this was the standard greeting. Our parents generation remember this gesture from WWII as a symbol of Victory. No matter what meaning we personally give to this gesture, it has the same meaning: Love, Peace and Victory. Without even knowing it, every time that gesture was used, it was giving glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each of these words show a Spirit of unity, because with love and peace we attain victory through Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches of the world. In fact, it was Paul who gave us the first instructions on how to “do” church. Today, the Holy Spirit has led me to The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians. And once again, this is a topic that is close to my heart.

Please read Phil. 2:1-4. “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Again, love, peace and unity bring victory through Christ Jesus.

Next, please read Phil. 3:14-16. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.” Again, love, peace and unity bring victory through Christ Jesus.

Then Paul becomes very specific in Phil. 4:2-4. He names names! “I implore Euodia and I emplore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!” These women were in conflict. Lack of love, peace and unity was apparent and it was effecting the promised victory through Jesus Christ.

Paul understood that peace is often the casualty of unresolved conflict in relationships and in ministry. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul gives us a glimpse of just how serious he is about peace. He was serious enough to call names and to call those names in front of the whole church. I don't know about you, but if I had been Euodia and Syntyche, I would have died of embarrassment and looked for the nearest pew to crawl under when Paul's letter was read. On the other hand, their names may be the reason for their anger. Euodia means "prosperous journey" while Syntyche means "pleasant acquaintance". These two women were certainly not living up to their names. Euodia and Syntyche were not bad women but women who worked in the church and had even worked with Paul. But something had happened! The scripture does not say what the problem was. It wasn't important. It usually isn't. Paul really did not care about the details. He simply said to "fix it" and tells them to agree with each other in the Lord.

Paul is not saying they must always agree about everything or that there will never be conflict. He is telling them that their bickering is destroying the peace of the church - dangerous ground on which to stand. Unresolved conflict is the enemy of peace and has no place in the church. Yet, in ministry, much of our time is spent on this very issue - conflict resolution - and the reason is simple. Sin is alive and well - in the world and in the church. If we "followed wholly" after God, seeking to become fully devoted followers of God, peace and love and unity would be the norm instead of the exception. These 2 women had forgotten, or simply chose to ignore this important Word found in Phil. 4:7. “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

If we truly have a personal relationship with God, we have access to the gift of all His peace through the Holy Spirit. It is a gift He gave to us unconditionally. When we receive a gift, it is not normal for us to open that gift, marvel at it’s beauty, thank the gift-giver for the sacrifice and then throw the gift away. But that’s exactly what we do when we let unresolved conflict dictate our lives. We have no love, peace or unity and the victory through Jesus Christ is lost. God’s power of peace is a miracle. Then why do we often live our lives as if we cannot make peace with the people in our lives? Each one of you probably has his or her own answer to that question. But, let me list just a few: pride, embarrassment, stubbornness, revenge, jealousy, retaliation and even hatred. How many of you would like to see those words inscribed in the Book of Life next to your name on the final day of judgement? Not me!

If you are in conflict with anyone, a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor or a member of your church, I urge you to first pray for guidance from the greatest Teacher. Resolve that conflict today with love, peace and unity. And, only then can you receive victory through Christ Jesus. This is what I plan to do today.

Pray this prayer for guidance.

Heavenly Father,

You are the great Peacemaker. Your commandments instruct me to love my neighbor as myself. But, I have been stubborn and selfish. I ask Your forgiveness. You know that I am in conflict with another of Your children. Please guide me and direct my heart and words so this conflict can be broken. I desire to Love like You, live like You and lead like You in all my relationships. I thank you Lord for your Son, Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me.

In the precious and matchless name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray,

Amen, Amen and Amen!

Maryanne Winder-Lester 3/31/2010