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Not a Mission of Peace

Luke 12:51

Do you think that I came here to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!

Do you ever get upset because everyone doesn’t like you? Have you tried to get along with everyone, but there are just still some people who won’t accept you? If Jesus didn’t get along with everyone, you certainly won’t either. While some people seem to think that as Christians we should always get along with people and bring peace to every situation, Jesus made it clear to His disciples that He did not come to bring peace to the earth. He came to bring division.

Jesus brought division because He did not agree with the standards and traditions of earth, especially among the Jewish leaders that claimed to be close to God. Jesus came to show the world what the Father was really like, and He was not like these leaders that lorded themselves over the people. Jesus brought division among the religious leaders while the sinful of the world began to follow Him and change from their ungodly ways.

Jesus, however, did not agree with the sinful, either. Those who were set in their evil ways wanted nothing to do with Him and saw Him as irrelevant. He didn’t try to force their belief. He simply lived a godly life and taught where He was accepted. Those with needs were ultimately drawn to Him. The religious leaders saw Him as a threat to their way of life, so they crucified Him. Jesus brought peace to those who were in turmoil, but He brought division to those who were happy and established in their sin.

To those who are determined to live an ungodly life, we will bring division, as well. To those who are seeking truth and experiencing physical and/or spiritual need, we will bring peace through the gospel. The only time we will see true world peace is when Jesus comes back to take charge, and there will be many who will not live in peace any longer when He does. He will divide the wheat from the tares and throw the tares into utter darkness. Once He has rid this world of evil, we will finally live in peace under His righteous rule. Until then, we can expect division in a world that does not want to accept Jesus as Lord.

Don’t worry about those who don’t like you or won’t accept you. Love those who do. If Jesus couldn’t get along with everyone, you certainly won’t, either. Establish your relationship with Him first, and all other relationships will flow properly from it. God didn’t call you to please anyone but Him. If you have His approval, you have all that matters. Our mission here is not a mission of peace as some may think, and we must realize that our message will often bring division. Rejoice in the Lord who loves you and grants you favor and new mercies every morning. What other people think will not change His plans for you, so focus upon pleasing Him, and He will change the minds of those who matter.

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.