I am so tired of these calls for unity that completely disregard injustice.
The call of every Christian is to peacemaking.
Not peacekeeping. Peacemaking.
And there is a radical difference between the two. Let me explain... (🧵)
The call of every Christian is to peacemaking.
Not peacekeeping. Peacemaking.
And there is a radical difference between the two. Let me explain... (🧵)
Peacekeepers maintain the status quo.
But peacemakers are change agents in pursuit of fixing the brokenness in our world.
Peacekeepers strive to make everyone happy.
But peacemakers strive to make everyone equal.
But peacemakers are change agents in pursuit of fixing the brokenness in our world.
Peacekeepers strive to make everyone happy.
But peacemakers strive to make everyone equal.
Peacekeepers call for compromise in the face of injustice.
But peacemakers are willing to call out racism, sexism, classism and every other oppressive “ism” even when it makes people uncomfortable.
But peacemakers are willing to call out racism, sexism, classism and every other oppressive “ism” even when it makes people uncomfortable.
Peacekeeping is standing in the uncontroversial middle trying to placate “both sides.”
Peacekeeping is seeking “unity” while refusing to deal with marginalization in our communities.
But peacemaking means standing for truth, justice, and equity for all, no matter the cost.
Peacekeeping is seeking “unity” while refusing to deal with marginalization in our communities.
But peacemaking means standing for truth, justice, and equity for all, no matter the cost.
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of peacekeepers in Scripture:
“They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 6:14
As my mentor used to say, “This ain’t it, y’all.”
“They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 6:14
As my mentor used to say, “This ain’t it, y’all.”
For Christians, the choice between peacekeeping and peacemaking is clear:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus (Matthew 5:9)
Did you know this is the only Beatitude that comes with an identity statement?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus (Matthew 5:9)
Did you know this is the only Beatitude that comes with an identity statement?
Of all the characteristics Jesus describes in Matthew 5, "peacemaker" is the only one listed with a identity instead of a reward.
Instead of being "blessed," "comforted," or "shown mercy," it says that "peacemakers... will be called children of God.”
Instead of being "blessed," "comforted," or "shown mercy," it says that "peacemakers... will be called children of God.”
This means we are never more like God than when we are peacemaking.
We are never more like God than when we are fighting for justice.
We are never more like God than when we are bringing shalom, abundant goodness, into every broken relationship and system in our world.
We are never more like God than when we are fighting for justice.
We are never more like God than when we are bringing shalom, abundant goodness, into every broken relationship and system in our world.
There is a temptation to be peacekeepers right now; to not rock the boat or challenge the status quo.
But that is not the way of Jesus.
It is time for Christians to take a stand on the side of justice for all people and be the peacemakers Jesus calls us to be.
But that is not the way of Jesus.
It is time for Christians to take a stand on the side of justice for all people and be the peacemakers Jesus calls us to be.
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