Peace-Loving Shoes

Ephesians 4:1-6

Verse 3  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

    As we finish up our week looking at the shoes of peace, we reflect on the various aspects of the peace they represent.  We have learned about making sure they are sure fitted so they don’t slip and cause us to stumble while we are in battle.  We have talked about this peace not being what the world thinks about peace and we have talked about what it means to have peace with God.  But is there more to this peace?

    Paul, who was a prisoner as he wrote this letter to his friends in Ephesus, knew what it was to have peace in the midst of the battle.  Part of that was being at peace with others in the battle.  In this passage Paul lists a few steps which help ensure making and keeping the peace within the ranks of God’s army.

    Being completely humble is not something encouraged by the world around us.  We live in a time where we are encouraged to brag about our accomplishments no matter how small they are.  We post the things we do for all to see as if we are looking for a following of our own.  This can lead to comparing ourselves to each other and missing the way God created each of us for a specific role in His army.  When we are completely humble, we can better acknowledge how God is wanting us to work together to do His will.

    Paul says we are to be gentle.  This isn’t something we would normally associate with a person in the military but this is what God wants His army to be known for.  Because His thoughts are not like our thoughts, God understands the power of gentleness.  You can’t gain true peace with another person by beating them over the head with your words and actions.  A gentle rebuke or gentle encouragement can do more for a relationship than we like to believe.

    One of the hardest things about being at peace with other Christians is being patient with them when they aren’t acting and thinking like we think they should.  When people are getting on our nerves it is hard to remember we are in the same army.  We like to surround ourselves with those we think should be in the army but God has chosen a larger army than we would.  This is one of the most important parts of the Gospel of peace, being one with the rest of the army in Christ’s name.

Making It Personal

    Who do you struggle to get along with among other believers?  Which of the listed reasons could be the cause behind the friction?  What can you do keep the unity in the army?

Making It Personal Kids

    What do you think humble means?  How easy is it to be patient with other people?  How hard do you try to get along with others?

Closing Prayer

    Father, we know we don’t always place the value on peace that You do.  Help us know what it means to love You and through that love keep peace with those You have also called into Your army.  In Jesus’ name, amen.