The Family of Peace or the Family of Strife?

The Family of Peace or the Family of Strife?

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Ps. 34:15. “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.” Ps. 37:37.

When we think about the fact that the kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, then these should be things that we pursue. 2 Tim. 2:22 and Heb. 12:14. We are to pursue peace and sanctification, and we have heard in the preaching of the word that peace will come as a result of sanctification.

God’s word is very clear regarding peace and strife. We can see this in David’s psalms, in Jesus’ words and His exhortations, and in the letters of the apostles. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and He will establish a kingdom of peace. He will crush the Family of Strife. It is striking what is written about how Edom would be His possession and subjected to Him. Num. 24:17-18. If this peace is to become my possession, Edom must be subject to me.

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3. Then we must walk worthy of our calling, in all lowliness. V. 1-2.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” Jas. 4:1. Within these desires there is the urge to assert yourself, to take a little revenge, to seek personal honor and gain, and wanting to be right. Every disciple of Jesus who has taken up a battle against these things, will experience that these strong forces exist within a human being. When we then use the word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, it will pierce and divide in our lives, giving us spiritual insight. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. Heb. 4:12 and Rom. 8:6.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. What an exhortation! The peace that the world wants to give is freedom for our lusts and desires. But when these desires are on the cross, there will be true peace. We sing in song number 118 in WotL about the man of peace: “But hand in hand with the God of peace, he fights till sin does cease.” The sword must be used against the sin in our own flesh.

How foolish it is to fight for our rights and our own opinions! How foolish to always contradict and constantly object. Timothy was to remind them, even to charge them, not to strive about words to no profit. We need such reminders. 2 Tim. 2:14. And in 1 Tim. 6:4 we read about being obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come, among other things, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds. Suspicion and arguments over words create a tremendous amount of unrest. May we therefore seek peace, and pursue it. Then we belong to the Family of Peace and we will forever be together with the Prince of Peace.