Matthew 5:9 Peacekeepers…peacemakers…in this out of control, selfish and angry world it’s hard to see anything but the big picture. Peacekeepers and peacemakers appear to be few and the peace they’ve bartered for is often short-lived. Perhaps tenuous peace agreements between nations, rooted in financial gain and enterprise, don’t last because the ‘arrangement’ is more important than peace. When we combine the attitudes, the characteristics of believers in Jesus, we come up with a ‘recipe’ of sorts. Ingredients for lasting peace begins in the hearts of men, humble and pure in heart, meek… merciful, and righteous men. Peace begins with us. Being humble doesn’t mean we consider ourselves too small to accomplish great things. Being humble simply means we’re not self-serving, and we understand God can accomplish anything in us and through us. Being humble doesn’t mean we can excuse ourselves from being a peacekeeper or a peacemaker by believing in our hearts ‘What can I do’? Or ‘How can I possibly make a difference?’ Peace begins with us. It begins with an attitude of meekness and a desire to do righteousness. It’s a heart that desires to serve rather than be served. It’s being trustworthy and kind…no matter what. It’s not ‘an eye for an eye’ type of attitude. We may be ‘small’ but we stand mighty in the power of the Lord. If He is for us, who can stand against us? The only one who loves the chaos is the devil. He finds victory in division and anger and hatred. Pride is his general, and wages war against those who are commissioned to make and keep Peace. Lord, Your presence in us is the only thing that changes us so we can be who You created us to be. Help us to stand firm in our faith, our conviction in righteousness even when it’s ’unpopular’. Strengthen us, cause us to be peacemakers and peacekeepers right where we are, knowing we’re here because of Your plan and purpose, use us for Your Glory.