I was watching a documentary yesterday on people who believe that the End Times are very near. Various preachers presented evidence, both biblical and from current events, that the End is near, and with it a last great battle on the earth. They spoke in great detail about the suffering that would occur to those left behind on earth once the believers were raised to the sky. And then this one guy, smiling and excited said, "And we [christians] will get to watch the whole thing happen, looking down on it - I'm really looking forward to that." And then he sort of backpeddled a bit - "I mean...not all the suffering for those people left behind...but, you know, it will be neat to see the end."
The truth is that many people like war and conflict. It can entertain us and give us a 'side' to be on. Unfortunately, alot of folks don't know what they believe or who they are if they arent given a side to be on, and with it, someone or something to oppose and fight against.
But Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God."
But Jesus says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
In Christ, what divides us from God has been overcome. If we can accept that mercy and the peace that comes with it, we may be able to show mercy to others instead of judgment, and we may begin to look like people who are resting in the peace of Christ, instead of those who are marching to fight a battle that is God's alone to fight.
Paul says it well, "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18)
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Well now that the serious stuff is out of the way, how about some song recommendations that have to do with peace:
Mindy Smith, "Peace of Mind" - Not an artist in the Christian Industry, but a Christian making music in the secular/normal market in Nashville. In my experience, the best Christian music is the kind that happens outside of the CCM (contemporary christian music) industry, because that industry favors light-hearted and overly optimistic songs, or 100% effusive praise music - essentially focusing on the %3 of life when we are on a spiritual high. Christian artists outside of those strictures can write about the other %97 of christian life - the part where we need hope, love, faith, and peace - and they do it very well.
Anyhow, look up the lyrics to "Peace of Mind" or give it a listen on iTunes or Myspace - I tried to post the lyrics but the formatting went all crazy.
