by Nancy Blackman

by Nancy Blackman One of the cutest things you’ll see is a little boy dressing up in his dad’s too-big work clothes, because he wants to be just like him. And we’ve all heard the expression, “He is his father’s son,” meaning a child acts just like his dad. As Christians, we have a perfect Heavenly Father and we should want to “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1), acting like Him and doing the things He does. One important area where we can prove we are God’s children is by assuming the role of peacemaker. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). A peacemaker is “a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries.” Notice that Jesus said “peacemaker,” not “peacekeeper.” A peacekeeper maintains the status quo, but a peacemaker is actively involved in restoring harmony between those who formerly opposed each other. There are two main areas where we are called to be God’s peacemakers:Reconciling people to God. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” God is the number one peacemaker! He has restored our relationship with Him and even went so far as to adopt us as his own children! All we have to do is accept his offer of reconciliation and then embrace our role as peacemakers between God and men by sharing the message of reconciliation.Reconciling people to each other. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). We need peace and unity now more than ever. We have a tendency to look to politicians, community activists, athletes, or Hollywood celebrities to make a difference, but God has called (and equipped) His people to be the peacemakers in the earth! So…how can we be peacemakers?First and foremost – PRAY! Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT) says, “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.” God needs someone to courageously stand in the gap and intercede (to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences) for restoration of relationships.Cultivate a lifestyle of peace. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Ask yourself before you speak (or post on social media) if what you’re saying is necessary and if it will contribute to peace or lead to more division.Be unified in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1:10 (NLT), “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” We all have opinions, preferences, and social issues that are important to us, but we should never compromise our dedication to Christ first and foremost. Romans 16:20 (NASB) proclaims, “The God of PEACE will soon crush Satan under your feet.” As the church is unified, we WILL see victory against the forces of darkness that want to divide and destroy us. When we assume our identity as children of God and overcome the issues that divide us, we will be His peacemakers and see victory over the enemy!