The Need for Peace-filled People

According to apple experts (the fruit, not the computer) one rotten apple does spoil the entire barrel! Apparently when an apple starts to rot, it releases a chemical called ethylene that causes it to decay. The other apples in the barrel can sense the chemical reaction, and when they do, they start producing their own ethylene, causing all the apples in the barrel to spoil.

Peace-less people are like cancer. Left unchallenged and without accountability they spread division, unrest, and negativity wherever they land. Who are peace-less people? They are negative, hypercritical, arrogant, prideful, gossips, divisive and downright mean people. Peace-less people can infect an organization, business, team, or group just like one bad apple can affect an entire apple barrel. I’m not referring to people who handle conflict or disagreement in a healthy, mature manner. These are usually people who have a long pattern and history of this kind of behavior. Look behind them and you will most likely find they have serious issues with previous employers, their family of origin, children, a former spouse, neighbors, fellow church members and others who have experienced their bent for the acidic.

The majority of peace-less people are often unaware of the depth of their own negativity. In fact, many peace-less people view themselves as healthy and genuinely believe they are deeply connected and committed to the organization, business, or team. I believe a very small percentage of peace-less people are intentional about their behavior. While they are in the minority, they are extremely dangerous and will ultimately spoil the good fruit of any organization.

Most, peace-less people are simply acting out of past pains or wounds. Unresolved issues from the past are some of the greatest contributors to current conflict. Leaders who encounter these folks should try not to take their words and actions personal. They are really crying out for help and many of them are scared to death someone is going to discover their wounds. Control is a real issue for peace-less people. They are most comfortable when they are in control of conversations, disagreements, and their environment. Control enables them to keep the spotlight on someone, or something else without having to face their own issues, sins, pain or problems.

Churches and volunteer organizations seem to be fertile ground for peace-less people. No doubt this is where they need to be, but if the church, company, team or organization is not clearly focused on its mission and purpose, a small number of these folks can bring everything to a grinding halt. Left unchallenged they can bring an organization to its knees.

Just as it is with personal finances and stewardship, the New Testament is loaded with admonitions, counsel and warnings about the importance of, and need for peace. Yet, we are often unwilling to fight for peace because it means we can’t “cut and run”, bury our heads, or suppress it. Instead, we have to face the conflict, or disagreement in a Christ-like manner with dispassionate conversation. A good case could be made that the ability to disagree in love and remain committed to a common mission (Big Picture) is a sure sign of a healthy church, organization, business or team. Consider the following Scriptures on living/pursuing peace:

1 Thess. 5:13; 1 Peter 3:11; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3; James 3:18; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:22

Many Christ-followers forget, or they were never told that we have been called to a ministry of peace. It’s not an option. If you cling to the promise of eternal life through Christ, you have a Scriptural mandate to seek, produce and work for peace. This is not an optional fruit of the Spirit that only a few are to develop and pursue. Paul says that just as we desire the peace of Christ in our heart, and are part of one body, we are called to a life of peace (Col. 3:15). What would happen if we really started working for peace where we live, work, play, worship, work out, shop, vote, and live? All of us would have to start with a serious dose of humility and repentance. Man, I would love to see just half of God’s church commit to pursuing peace. It’s got to begin with me. It’s got to begin with you. May the peace of Christ rule our hearts!