at peace

Romans 12:18 says "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
 
Our nation is deeply divided and we have already seen violence, destruction and even death as a result of the anger in our country.  I fear that over the next weeks we will see even more conflict and pain.

Sadly, there is little I can do to stop this.  I am not part of the FBI, police or military.  I am not a world leader with millions of followers.  I am just a pastor in a small town in middle America.

But I will do a few things because this is what I can do.

1. I will set an example.  I will seek to live at peace with those I disagree with and I will work toward reconciliation.  I hope people will see my example and follow it.

2. I will teach those who will listen that violence is not the answer.  I may not have a church of 10,000 but I do have a voice, a Bible and confidence that my teaching is of God...and I will use that voice to share the truth that my God is a God of justice, peace and hope.

3. I will pray.  Prayer is an undervalued commodity.  I believe in the power of prayer because I believe in the power of the God to whom I pray.  So I will pray for peace.  I will pray for change in the hearts of people toward kindness.  I will pray that God will do a miraculous thing in our nation and bring us to repentance.  
 
I can't do everything, but I will do what I can do to live at peace with everyone.

In Christ,
Pastor Scott