“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace forthose who make peace.”
James 3: 17-18 (NRSV)

A peace treaty that has a chance to succeed means both parties are willing to meet and accede to include a mediator or peace broker. The mediator presents the opportunity and setting for peace but if either party is unwilling then peace is seldom attained.  

That might sound a bit like the internal conflict we have as Christians living in the flesh. 

Paul shared in Romans 7 that we must be released from the law of sin to be bound to God. ^“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 (NIV)

Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount, as part of the beatitudes, the importance of seeking peace. Blessed are those with the avidity to make or bring the peace. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)

Paul shares with us this ongoing internal battle of hostility that our flesh has with God. If only we renew our minds to accept the Holy Spirit’s direction, we might enjoy some peace of mind. 

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 (NRSV)

Jesus came to this world to show us the path to inner peace. This peace came at a cost, as it should. What is this cost to you? What must you do as a Christian to reach inner peace?

In the book of James chapter 3, James shares with his readers the two types of wisdom – the wisdom of the world that is always at odds with the wisdom of God. The unspiritual versus the spiritual, the classic confrontation faced by us all. It starts back in Genesis 1 when God created order from chaos. God has spoken through the sacred words written in the Bible. If you want to get to know the mind of God, you must be willing to read his very words. More importantly, study them for the insights of wisdom that can transform your life. 

In Matthew 10 we hear Jesus share something rather peculiar as he prepares to send out the twelve disciples with authority to heal. He is sending them out as sheep among the wolves. He is preparing them for the challenges they will undoubtedly face. He foreknew the grueling future for each of them. The twelve ordinary disciples needed the pep talk of their life in eye-opening, sober reality. I can hear Jesus saying, “Are you willing to take up your cross for me?” “Are you willing to give your life over to me?” “Are you prepared?”

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Matthew 10:34 (NRSV)

Why a sword? Why not an olive branch? 

This past week’s sermon I heard a pep talk for each of us. The scripture lesson focused on the significance of light beaming into the world of darkness. While we may have doubts about our contribution as Christians due to our lack of congregating on Sunday, many good works were highlighted. One of the core values of AUMC is willingness to be missional. We were reminded of all the good we do in the name of Christ in spite of how insignificant we may believe it to be. It is the actions of the peacemaker that illuminates God to others. He will take care of the rest. 

In this fallen world the “Word of God” and our willingness to act are what slices through the armor of sin that surrounds us. The enemy does not bow down to an olive branch but fears the sword of the Spirit.  

^”Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17 (NRSV)

We prepare ourselves to go out into the world by diligently studying the word of God. The word equips us as we reach out to others. Then, we become wise in the words of God so as we speak with grace our words are seasoned with salt. There is power in the words of God that we take for granted sometimes. These very words set action in motion. James reminds us to be readers and doers of the word. Paul gets straight to the point.

^“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

No matter your level of Bible acumen, AUMC offers an opportunity for all of us to add a bit more saltiness to our learnings. Beginning in August, Pastor Deborah will be leading us in a church-wide “Grand Sweep” of the Bible over the next year. We can all use a bit more seasoning. Will you join us? 

A fellow AUMCer reminded me that no matter how many times we may have read the same passage/scripture it speaks to us with a dash of salt for a slightly different flavor. Perhaps it is God’s way of sharing a bit more wisdom each time we read it to prepare us for such a time as this. 

Hear the good news! The inner peace we seek becomes revealed to us when we marinate in the words of God. This godly wisdom will carve out the sin that has calcified and hardened our hearts. It heals our conflicts and emboldens our desire to be peacemakers. 

A blessed declaration to inspirit each of us at AUMC. 

^“Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NRSV)

How might your study prepare you to reveal God to others? What is one piece of godly wisdom someone shared with you? What impact did it have on your life? 

Peace be with you,

Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader