Peacemakers

 James 3:17-18

My grandmother used to tell me character is the what you do when no one else is looking. I still find this to be fruitful advice and have passed it onto my children. However, there is another related principle that I have learned that I think is equally as important. Your compassion is measured in the way you treat those who are weaker than you. This second guiding thought is more inline with our reading from James for today. Having just given us two examples of how not to treat or view one another, James turns and gives a positive example that all believers should follow. Again, remember the word wisdom here also means "good at life" or "successful in godliness", but now we see the positive test of what this looks like lived out day by day. Having just looked at the "wisdom of the world", James offers a view of the "wisdom of heaven" and it looks a lot like peace-making. Do you notice that all the attributes are best exemplified in relationship with others? So were jealousy and selfish ambition. But, now we see that we are to have the opposite kind of attitude in our relationships with others. Considerate, submissive, impartial, and sincere don't sound like the attributes that we in the "west" consider to be successful, but remember, we often measure success in our comparison to others. This is what James is telling us to avoid. We instead should measure our success in how we we can bring peace in as many of our relationships as possible. THAT is the best way to honor the King of Kings, who by the way is also the Prince of Peace. 

Prayer: 
Gracious God, I know I am not a very good peacemaker. Please help me to let go of my pride, hurt, offense, or anything else that holds me back from living at peace with my community. I want to reflect Your peace and Your love with my lifestyle. Lead me Jesus. Amen. 

Reflection: 
If peace-making were the sole measurement of your "success in godliness" how do you do? 
What are you willing to change this week?