It’s a vicious world, isn’t it? Gossip abounds, deception is rampant, and faithfulness is hard to find. People stab each other in the back, sometimes, even literally. Relationships are often based on fragile conditions that eventually undo them. Truth is treated as a relative concept and integrity is a rarity. We see pockets of commitment and honesty in the relationships around us, but mostly the landscape is littered with human failures. Relationships can hurt.
That’s the context in which the children of God are supposed to shine. We are to be lights that point to the true nature of a relational God, or islands of refuge for those who are drowning in the violent seas of brokenness. Our relationships are to demonstrate God in such a way that people can clearly see ideals of peace, love, generosity, and all that is true. We are supposed to Be a Taste Of Heaven in the midst of whatever hell lonely and hurting people find themselves in. We are supposed to be safe harbors.
The fact that those in the family of God are sometimes indistinguishable from the culture is a hideous tragedy. We miss a golden opportunity to represent The Kingdom of God in a dying world whenever we forget to act like people of His Kingdom. And it often is just that: a matter of forgetting. We need to remind ourselves not to contribute to the tragedy. We need to be godly.
“Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. . . As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:17-18)
Above all else, let’s make sure our relationships exemplify God. As His children that is what we’re supposed to be all about. That is the only thing that will convince a hurting world that the Kingdom of God is worth its time. Our efforts to win the world won’t matter if the Good News we proclaim hasn’t proven radically effective in our lives. Whatever it takes, live at peace – real, meaningful peace – with everyone.
Leave a good taste in people’s mouth this weekend. Make it better by worshiping The Lord with those who do not contribute to the tragedy of our tasteless world but make it a priority to be people of peace, and then prove it in every way.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 