Life before 2008 14 Jan 2007 04:37 pm
War and Peace
I am sure that this “initial post” on a blog normally devoted to the meanderings of my dear wife may not enlighten a single soul. I hope, in fact, that what is read already resonates with you in the variety of senses in which it could taken.
I have been meditating a great deal on the Christian meaning of peace lately. I suppose because I have for many years believed that peace was more or less an assurance that the emnity between God and a specific individual, namely me, had been reconciled. The chasm was no longer there. If I thought it was there I was delusional or lacked faith. This is the only view of Peace I could expect and perhaps accept.
These days, as I contemplate the Beatitude of Our Lord “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God”. I recognize foremostly that while the previous understanding is truly Glorious. its transcendent posture leaves the here and now aspects of “making peace” undeveloped. Now, I know that the Scriptures are replete both with command and admonishment on how one ought to conduct themselves. One might suppose that simple adherence to these things would bring peace whether that be in the home, office, church or world. Though, historically, Biblical morality has not prevented wars,disputes or divorces. Sinful men and women have spent a great deal of time justifying belligerent activity in the name of the Lord.
Peacing making, I presently surmise, is an activity borne out of desire to be in Christ. It has to be sacrificial and atoning and all that without the desire or acceptance of compensation. No pat on the back from any for the patience and constancy of attention we must give (in and through Christ). Peace must be ironically violent in its engagement of all hostility, prejudice, and ignorance. I hope as time goes by I will be able to flesh out all I mean.
This is what I am thinking about. I believe this does not stray too far from the theme of this blog. If it does, I will secretly change the name to Living Peacefully and take over the site ;-).
on 14 Jan 2007 at 5:42 pm 1.gigi said …
It was such a nice surprize and blessing to get your post today, David.I am not sure I follow you but that is my fault.So ,I hope you will post again-I will be looking for one.Miss you all.
on 14 Jan 2007 at 8:25 pm 2.Bannergranny said …
How wonderful to see you writing David….I have long wished that you would share your thoughts with us…as I have come to know you as a deep thinker…and so tickeled to see your special humor come into it as well HA Tia might let you try to take over the site,but I think there would be an uproar by the masses that read her writings each day…not at all peaceful….I do so much look forward to hearing more from you.
on 04 Aug 2007 at 11:48 pm 3.scott hammond said …
David,
Great thoughts.
I see wisdom and a sense of “Peace that surpassess understanding” threaded thru your post.
I dig it.
Also fleshing out lotsa stuff with God, life, kids growing up, and being a balanced man who is striving to love God and people.
Best,
Scott