The Beatitudes Attitude, Part 5
(NRSV) 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
We should be noticing by now that the Beatitudes are really an outline for developing characteristics for kingdom living. These character traits do not just happen, but occur when we are in active pursuit of them, or what I call seeking holiness.
Most of us have known people who are drama queens. You know, people who thrive in chaos. They are often easily offended, and they feel compelled to strike back. But is the need to have the last word or to set someone else straight really the behavior Christ would have us model?
Lack of peace can be as personal as a lack of inner peace, or as global as a world war. Lack of peace leaves us restless, anxious, and robs us of energy. But what is the real root cause of a lack of peace? We lack peace because we have never made real peace with our Creator. We will never live in peace with one another until we live in peace with God.
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem every night because we are instructed to do so in (NRSV) Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” Yes, I pray for peace, knowing that peace will never be achieved until the Prince of Peace is invited into the midst of the conflict.
The beatitude goes on to read, “…for they will be called children of God.” We may think to call ourselves children of God is better than we deserve. But I assure you the scripture in John says exactly that: (NRSV)John 1:11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us…
So seek out peace wherever you are, and boldly declare you are a child of the King. Think peace, talk peace, and leave footprints of peace everywhere you step.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Seeking Holiness 