Peacemaker.

I intentionally waited a while to post this. I needed to clear my mind and calm my emotions to be sure I was speaking objectively and truthfully. I feel confident in that regard now.

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke of a concept he described as a “peacemaker.” He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Based upon the extended library of his teachings throughout the gospel and greater New Testament, as well as the example he set by the life he led, we can draw some conclusions about what he meant by this term which he only used once. Despite what some are teaching today, Jesus’ understanding of a peacemaker did not mean “one who avoids conflict or remains neutral in the face of conflict.”

Jesus certainly didn’t avoid conflict. Neither did many of the church fathers throughout the New Testament. In fact, what is abundantly clear from scripture is that sometimes conflict is necessary. It was necessary when Jesus confronted the moneychangers in the temple for taking advantage of the poor. Conflict was necessary when Jesus repeatedly challenged the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law for their abuses of the Jewish faithful. Conflict was necessary when Stephen, Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin in direct defiance of their “legal order.” Conflict was necessary when Paul confronted Peter for his blatant racism. I could go on, but hopefully you get the point.

Many pastors and Christian leaders seem confused in this regard. I listen and read as they proclaim that to engage in politics is, in itself, sinful and wrong, because feelings will inevitably be hurt as one side declares that their ideas are “right” while the others are “wrong.” They are especially sensitive to the false notion that publicly taking a moral position on an issue based on a strict biblical worldview is unwise as it causes those who think differently to believe that they’re somehow unwelcome from fellowship or even “lesser than” as a result.

If it wasn’t already clear by the way I choose to live my life, I completely disagree. Now that the election is over, an ironic number of my fellow Christians are coming out of the woodwork condemning conservative Christian voters for celebrating what was a decisive victory for our principles and values. Without saying as much, they’re attempting to shame us into silence by pointing to the “divisiveness” and “hurt feelings” these victory laps are causing. It’s ironic because most of these same individuals seemed less than concerned when, for eight years, their side lobbed verbal bombs like “basket of deplorables,” “garbage,” or even historically and philosophically ignorant attacks such as fascists, racists, misogynists, and Nazis at us.

While I acknowledge that politics is inherently divisive, the reality is, opting not to engage in this conflict and merely shrugging my shoulders despite the very real depravity, pain, suffering, and death that will come as a result is a far greater evil, the likes of which I refuse to entertain. There are many grave injustices taking place in our nation more than worthy of intentional conflict by Jesus-following people: elective abortion, systemic physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children, political abuse of helpless illegal immigrants, the waging of perpetual and entirely unnecessary wars around the world, financially supporting despots and tyrants for international gain, robbing the poor and middle class to support the grossly rich, yet entirely ineffective bureaucratic state, etc. Choosing to avoid the conflict and thereby enabling such injustices to persist without confrontation is simply not an option if we are serious when we pray, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven."

This brings us back to Jesus’ words regarding peacemaking. Based on the teachings of our Lord and the actions he took throughout his life (as well as the words and actions of the church fathers), we can reasonably conclude that when Jesus spoke of “making peace” what he meant was, “seeking peace through reconciliation even when engaging in conflict is morally necessary.” Like most rational and morally upstanding people, I don’t want to be in conflict with anyone. I don’t seek conflict for conflict's sake, but I will not, I cannot, just ignore that which is plainly wrong and unjust around me. Therefore, I am instructed to practice the discipline of peacemaking.

Now that the election portion of our conflict is over, to those who will accept it, I extend a hand of peace. To all who voted differently than me, I extend a hand of peace. To all who actively campaigned for the other side, I extend a hand of peace. To all who perpetuated politically motivated lies about candidates and their supporters, I extend a hand of peace. To all who hurled insults and personal attacks at me and those who believe like me, I extend a hand of peace.

I genuinely seek peace. Truly, I do. As a follower of Jesus, reconciliation and peace is always my goal. And, frankly, on a personal level, if you’re still with me, reading this via my social media outlets, I value you. We wouldn’t be connected in this manner, if I didn’t. I seek not division or to intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings. I yearn for objective truth and ceaseless grace to reign in all circumstances. In that vein, let us stop pretending that the “divisiveness” and “hurt feelings” suddenly appeared on election night when one side won and the other lost. We could all do a better job of calling out the personal attacks and insults from our respective camps. If you’re willing, let us make peace and, from there, journey to a brighter future for us and our children. This is the practice of peacemaking. This is the way of Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Tom