Peacemakers

"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger and disputing." 1 Timothy 2:8

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

In each of the Beatitudes Jesus has used the word blessed. It is to receive something and to live in a particular state of being. In every Beatitude Jesus has promised a blessed state of bliss. In this Beatitude, Jesus is telling us that if we purposely strive for peace and unity, we will live in the bliss of being counted a son of God. Don't loose the magnitude of this reward.

There are some folks who are just by their nature an agitator. They are trouble makers and are difficult to live with, especially in the work environment. As Christian businessmen, we must not be one that stirs things up, but brings about an atmosphere of quietness and rest. As peacemakers, we do not hold grudges and seek revenge, but offer forgiveness that fosters a peaceful atmosphere. Think about your workplace. Is it one of stress, overwork, lack of appreciation, tenseness, and intimidation? The beatitude workplace should be one of peacefulness, restful, team spirit, happy, unity, and service. 

The key ingredient for a peaceful and restful workplace is unity. Unity can only be brought about when everyone sees the vision, has bought into the program, and has the opportunity and benefits to make it happen. Not everyone is going to agree on everything, but a spirit of team work in a happy environment can make all the difference.The biggest disruption to a workplace is conflict. The peacemaker will strive out of a pure heart, a humble spirit, an attitude of seeking what is right and just for everyone, to avoid conflict and bring in that quietness and rest of a spiritual peacemaker. He will have a sense of caring for all those around him and will be willing to step in to settle matters in a peaceful way when the opportunity arises.     

In previous Beatitudes, we have seen how a person has come to know God, will see God, and now he will be called a son of God. Each Beatitude has led us to the ability to proceed to the next. It is a foundation very similar to a house being built. You cannot put the carpet in until the roof is own, and you cannot put the roof on until the walls are built, and so on beginning with the foundation. Our foundation is to start with poor in spirit, and to have an attitude of complete poverty of dependence on ourselves. From there, we reach the reward of being called a child of God with all the rights and inheritance of a child of a father.

Peace lovers love the idea of peace but lack the initiative to do anything about it. Peacemakers take action under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Where conflict exist, failure stands at the door. Where peace exist, success goes through the door.