NOT PEACE, BUT A SWORD

Reading from Matthew ch 10 vs 34-39

 When we think of Christ we think of the statement ‘prince of peace’ but this passage has him saying something that doesn’t seem peaceful. We of course shouldn’t misunderstand what he means. Yes he is the giver of peace and ease and all such things but he wants us to understand that he didn’t come so all will be well on the earth and we must know that there’s more to the world than our basic reality. Christ wants us to understand that there’s an order or way of life that he has come against or to oppose and that’s why there’s no peace or there’s a sword he has brought to us.

We live in a world of sin and sin is our life or at least it is very normalized. We must not be naïve and think it’s random and just driven by human will and our choices. The enemy of our souls the devil actively works to deceive the masses and the individual. He wants you lost in everything so you never see the truth that all he is trying to do is get you to hell. That’s where he is going and he knows God loves man and so to hurt God he works tirelessly to make sure most of us have no chance at heaven.

Now our God knows all things and he is always finding solutions for our major problems and that’s why he sent us his son Jesus to die for us that we can have grace and forgiveness and be able to get to heaven through Jesus alone. We cannot do anything that will get us there for remember we are full of sin. Whether its intentional or unintentional we must strive to do good but understand that it is the righteousness of Christ that we rely on for our salvation.

If we look at things, being aware of the truth and choosing Christ and walking away from the regular sin will often create conflict or tension in our lives. Whether its family, friends or coworkers, you choosing to live or go about things like Christ? or maybe even speaking up or against things that seem so normal but are deep rooted sins? They’ll most likely be disputes and people get uncomfortable. We shouldn’t get discouraged regardless, I know it’s difficult to stand your ground about your beliefs and especially when people don’t share the same sentiments. But be reminded today that if you love Christ more than family, friends or whatever connections or things of this world it’s a commendable thing. Christ thinks of you as worthy of him when you hate the things of this world and love him and his teachings. Now once again don’t misunderstand, he isn’t saying we should hate those who don’t believe, we must hate the sin and love the sinner, that’s how he does it.

We must show love to others but we must ensure that we are carrying our cross every day. It’s not easy to walk with Christ when your very flesh or self finds sin easier and more appealing, when it’s easier to take advantage of others or gossip or indulge in wrong things. But we have to make an active choice to follow Jesus regardless. It doesn’t mean it will be easy, we are human and change often happens gradually, you might find yourself stuck in a particular sin or just failing to let go of some. It doesn’t mean God is done with you, if anything he is who you need for he is the one who can transform you and renew you and make there be true change from the inside out. He is patient, kind, merciful, forgiving etc. and he sees your efforts and he is very happy when you talk to him and ask for help. It’s not always straightforward but when he gets working on you, you’ll see it for yourself that true change is happening.

So the world might push you to do things your way, find success and influence or whatever but we must ask ourselves what is the cost. The time we have on earth does seem long but what’s to come is longer. Do you want to lose your soul? Or would you rather live for Christ and find life? Don’t get me wrong, following Christ doesn’t mean you don’t get joy, good or success in this life. You actually get the best kind of it when God is the one providing it. He has a great purpose for each of our lives and you’d be surprised how good it can get with him. It just won’t be how the world gives but it will be wonderful. Regardless, the choice is yours to make, are you picking up your sword, your cross and living for Christ? Or are you inevitably choosing death? Whatever your choice never stop knowing and believing that God loves you and hopes you make the right choice before the time runs out.