Recapping: Biblical shalom involves wholeness, delight, and a sense of meaning and purpose for all of God’s creation. Shalom is the way things are supposed to be! This includes four facets: peace with nature, peace in society, peace with ourselves, and peace with God. This is the third in the series on peace in society.
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The Bible is such a practical book. While it has long sections that deal with theological and doctrinal issues, it is also full of practical guidance on how to work out our faith in real life. To the Hebrew mind, “God is what God does.” Rather than abstract theological descriptions about God’s character, the Hebrew mindset says look on what God has done in history and you can get an understanding of his character.
The same approach is true when it comes to human relationships and how our faith should impact the way we relate to others, those in our families, friends, and strangers that we meet. The Bible has concrete, practical instructions that serve as guidelines for living life that will bring shalom.
The Apostle Paul, for example, offers lots of practical advice about living a life of faith and he begins his discussion of this topic in Galatians 6 with a foundational principle: “A man reaps what he sows” (v. 5). The principle is clear – there are consequences for actions we take and we cannot escape these consequences. But this principle is bolstered by his accompanying encouragement that we should “not grow tired of doing good.”
Having established that point, Paul then instructed his readers to “do good to all people,” regardless of who they are. Although the Apostle made sure that the Galatians would pay special attention to the needs of other Christians, it is important to understand that he does not limit his admonition to just family, friends or recognizable neighbors.
The gospel of peace, taught by the Prince of Peace, is one of reconciliation among all people. It is a message designed to remove barriers between people, races and nations. God’s desire is that followers of Jesus, a group with transnational and multicultural members, usher in a new way of bringing peace in society through the unity to be found at the foot of the cross.
So What?
- It seems obvious to me that churches have little to offer their society if they are full of conflict and rivalry. Courageous church leaders are needed to demonstrate how historic barriers can be overcome and how diverse followers of Jesus can find opportunities to work together for the benefit of the poor. What a powerful testimony this would be!
- Less time spent criticizing other Christians and more time building up others would be one practical way of putting the good news of God’s peace to work in our communities.
- How can the “do good to all people” model be implemented during a contentious political year? What would a “model campaign” look like? More on this later.