As Much As It Depends on You

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​At my church, we recently completed a series on the beatitudes. In this introduction to the sermon on the mount, Jesus begins by teaching about the blessing of living an upside down or counter-cultural life and one of the blessings we discussed at length was from Matt. 5:9 which says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.

Now, our pastor discussed the big issue behind that statement which is that the main focus of our peacemaking is bringing people to be at peace with God by sharing the gospel of Jesus to those around us. That is something we should strive to do in our workplaces with the colleagues and patients with whom we interact everyday. There are many hopeless and searching people around us.

But one of the other ways this teaching works itself out is by living peaceably with those around us. It's easy to see that we live in a society of deep division and argumentation. We even have a name for it, cancel culture. Our society is one that almost glorifies derision and antagonism, yet God tells us to live at peace with those around us and that through a peaceful attitude we may bring many to be at peace with God. As we were discussing this passage on Sunday, it really reminded me of what Paul instructs the Romans:

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​"If possible, so much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Rom. 12:18

We have an admonition as Christ followers to live at peace with those around us to the best of our ability and as long as it does not compromise the Gospel truth. And here is where the rubber meets the road. How do we do that? How do we work to live peaceably when we may have co-workers who are difficult or negative or antagonistic? Or how do we create a peaceable environment in our clinics when we have patients who are being rude or challenging? Enter the wisdom from my Pastor on the practical steps to live at P.E.A.C.E. with those around and thereby be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was very impactful for me so I thought I'd share it with y'all as this is something everyone one of us will encounter in our respective fields of healthcare. 

P: Purpose To Walk In The Spirit And No Longer Live In The Flesh. (Gal.5:16-25)

E: Endeavor To Be Understanding Rather Than Being Understood. In other words, be a good listener. (Phil. 2-3:5, Prov 14:29)

A: Attack The Problems And Not The People. We often tend to believe the worst about others and the best about ourselves but that is misguided. (Prov 15:1-2). And try to engage your mind before you engage your mouth. (Eph 4:29)

C: Confess Your Own Faults And Own Sinful Attitudes. (James 5:16)

E: Elevate Reconciliation Over Resolution. In other words, in humility, value the person over the conflict or disagreement. 

Remember, it is as much as it depends on you. You do your part with the power of the spirit to live to be a peacemaker. You can't make others be peacemakers until God works in their hearts and lives. Be willing to take the risk of peacemaking and start you day in prayer and spirit power to be a peacemaker in your home, your clinic, or your hospital.

Jason

​**Check out my book "Rehab the World" written for Physical Therapists and other rehab professionals to encourage us in our workplace and prepare us to serve those around us. If you like, please leave a review and spread the word!!***