MORNING MANNA         10/4/20

Since I plan to preach about dissension tonight, one of the devil’s dangerous devices, I thought this would be a good time to talk about some of the most important members in a church. Several years ago I preached a sermon entitled “The Most Wonderful Person in the Church”. It didn’t have anything to do with them being gifted, generous, or good natured. It had to do with peacemakers. They are indeed wonderful.

Like most pastors, I have a deep appreciation for peacemakers. You could say they are the glue that holds a church together – a tall task. I’ve seen what differences, debates, and divisions can do to a church and I hope I never see it again. I shudder to think what would happen without peacemakers. It wouldn’t be a pretty picture for sure.

Churches are made up of many different members and that provides the potential for serious problems. Peacemakers work to secure and maintain peace in the congregation. They strive to diminish debates, stifle strife, mend mistakes, and control conflicts. To do that they must be gentle and loving toward all. Their love for Christ compels them to speak the truth in love, forgive others, and to be exemplary in their conduct. And they are always on the job. Their work is never done. They stay busy building bridges rather than barriers.

The peacemaker’s value is far greater than I can describe. Their service is essential. They are blessed and a blessing. Without them a church would be divided, disabled, and destroyed. Their work doesn’t make them a child of God, but it does enable others to recognize and honor them as such. May God help all of us to join their ranks. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346