PURSUING PEACE
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”–Romans 12:18
We are all different and that can make life difficult. We all have different beliefs, abilities, and taste. That holds true in just about everything—food, sports, cars, music, books, etc. Being different doesn’t necessarily make us better or worse, right or wrong, etc., but that’s what a lot of folks would have you to believe. Their attitude is “It’s my way or the highway”. They are critical of anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Even the apostles had their differences, so we can expect that we will have some of the same problems. Sadly most folks don’t deal with their differences very well.
Of course this is America and you are free to believe what you want, but that doesn’t mean it is right. And judged by the Bible a lot of things accepted today are not right. Naturally the Bible doesn’t address every subject, but that doesn’t mean we are free to do as we please. While the Bible does not speak to every issue, it does give us principles that relate to every area of life. Based on that, I have to say that it’s evident that many professing Christians have poor taste in regards to many things. Just because something is legal, popular, or generally accepted doesn’t mean it is wise, healthy, or beneficial.
While much could be said about living at peace with others, I want to mention just two things that would help greatly. First, some people won’t speak up. They refuse to come clean about their faults. It’s as though they think if they never confess their faults they don’t have any. It would be better if they admitted that they are part of the problem, rather than pretending it’s someone else’s fault.
Second, some folks won’t shut up. They reveal too much about themselves by expressing their opinions, likes and dislikes when it isn’t necessary. They seem to think they must comment on everything and they come across as a critical, overbearing know-it-all. That usually doesn’t benefit anyone. Doing so just opens the door for criticism, debates and divisions–things we all could live without.–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
