We live in a world of chaos.  Such is a byproduct of sin.  The devil thrives on chaos, and he is very active in the world.  There is peace to be found, however, even in this world, but it does not come by accident, we must pursue it.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)
¹⁴  Pursue peace with all people…

If you are a Christian, you have already obtained the most important peace available—peace with God (Romans 5:1).  Nevertheless, God desires that we be at peace with everyone.  Think about how much better this world would be if everybody was at peace.  There would be no more war among nations or infighting among neighbors.  Even the ugliness of prejudice would be absent in a world where there was nothing but peace among men.

I am afraid that a world where there is only peace is a dream that will never be realized, not as long as Satan and sin exist.  Peace on a smaller scale, however, is very much possible.  We can help the world be a more peaceful place by pursuing peace with all those with whom we associate.  This is the will of God.

Romans 12:18 (ESV)
¹⁸  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Paul says “if possible” because he realized that some situations are out of our hands.  If someone wants to be hostile toward us no matter what, there is not much we can do about it.  Still, we should continue doing everything in our power to bring about peace.  Remember, the Hebrews writer did not say “sit back and wait for peace to come to you,”  he exhorted us to “pursue peace.”    God will reward us for our efforts.

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
⁹  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

The opposite of this beatitude would be, “cursed are the troublemakers: for they shall be called the children of Satan.”  All those who divide and make trouble are doing the devil’s will, not God’s.  Jesus once said to the Pharisees, “Ye do the deeds of your father” (John 8:41).  By “father” he was referring to Satan.  It is far better to be called sons of God than to be children of the devil, don’t you agree?

To be peacemakers, we must sometimes be willing to comprise, not doctrinally, but concerning our personal opinions and desires.  We must be willing to forego personal liberties if it means helping peace to prevail (Romans 14:1-15:6).  We must not demand having our way all the time.  That kind of disposition is divisive.  We should avoid always having the last word because usually, it turns out to be disruptive rather than conciliatory.  These things are demonstrations of pride, and pride often stands in the way of peace.

Pursue peace with all people.  In doing so, you will be imitating your Father in heaven.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.