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Virtual Christian Magazine Editorial Real Peace Is More Than the Absence of War By Larry J. Walker War and peace both begin in the heart. The Creator of the human heart has much to say about how real peace will be achieved.
eace and safety are very high on the list of priorities for many people. Even before the U.S.-led war against Saddam Hussein began, many people in the United States and around the world began staging "peace rallies" advocating peace instead of war. Many eschew violence and insist that peace could be preserved by negotiation. Feelings run strong on both sides of the issue. Peace is a major topic addressed in the Bible. The prophet Isaiah decried violence, lying and injustice in the nation of Judah and boldly proclaimed, "The way of peace they have not known" (Isaiah 59:1-8). The apostle Paul applied this passage to all mankind (Romans 3:9-18). Indeed, the fact that man does not know the way to peace is tragically documented by man's entire history, from the time that Cain killed Abel to the wars and conflicts of the present day.
Most people live in some degree of peace with their neighbors. But what about those who willfully remain violent and persist in lies, and whose decisions and actions result in suffering of innocent victims? History, as well as Scripture, teaches us that some people are simply unwilling to depart from their violent, rebellious and destructive ways. No amount of education, negotiation or concessions will sway them from their evil plans. There is a widespread mentality in the Western world that considers physical punishment as an antithesis to peace, and something to be avoided at all costs. This philosophy pervades many human institutions in our culture, from child rearing to international politics. Many years ago Bertrand Russell, in the face of threatened war with the Soviet Union, coined the slogan, "Better Red than dead." This is the ultimate expression of "peace" at all costs and a stark contrast to patriot Patrick Henry's famous words, "Give me liberty or give me death." Peace without freedom is really not peace. Violence and war result in widespread suffering, often resulting in deaths and injuries of civilians and other innocent victims. However, other alternatives often perpetuate the same problems when a violent, evil leader is allowed to remain in power.
Jesus Christ will bring about permanent world peace as a conquering King, who "in righteousness ... judges and makes war" (Revelation 19:11). Some would consider righteousness and making war as contradictory terms. But the love of God includes punishing evildoers as a prerequisite to lasting peace. Human nature must be replaced by the motivation of the love of God. This requires repentance and a spiritual transformation initiated by God (Romans 12:1-2). Ultimately, all of mankind will learn the way of peace based on the laws of God under the righteous rule of Christ. Universal disarmament will be achieved, and weapons of death and destruction will be converted to agricultural implements, and everyone will dwell safely (Micah 4:1-4). Today we live in a dangerous world, fraught with wars and conflicts. We should pray for our national and international leaders with the comforting assurance that ultimately God desires for all to "come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus promises us true peace that far exceeds the mere absence of war (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7). We can look forward to the time when war and suffering will finally be no more. Meanwhile we should do our best to be examples of the peace of God in our own lives. Our motto ought to be, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." Recommended Reading: The Bible promises that a time of peace is coming. But when? What must happen before that time comes? The booklet You Can Understand Bible Prophecy gives an overview of the prophetic themes of the Bible leading up to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Read or download a copy of or request a free copy through the mail. Copyright 2003 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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