Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Tuesday, December 9
Reading for Today: Romans 14:19-23
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual
upbuilding.
Romans 14:19
God created us to be interdependent beings. In our world
today we cannot live on our own without help or cooperation from others.
We depend on others in order to have our needs met. Why then is peace
such an elusive quality?
We frequently leave the sanctuary Sunday morning after singing
these words, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with
me.” I do think that almost all people want to live in peace in their
families, their workplaces, their communities, and the world. Why then
is this goal so difficult to achieve?
I truly believe God sent us his blessed Son to be the perfect example
of “pursuing what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
We read in the Bible the many examples of how Jesus treated everyone he
met with love and respect.
I have the privilege of working with special education students
from 5 to 12 years of age. Every year I see such vast differences in how
children interact with each other. Some cooperate all the time, help others,
and consistently show respect to adults and other students. Others show
these peaceful qualities most of the time, but at other times become angry
if things do not go their way. A few students appear to be angry almost
all of the time and are frequently involved in arguments or fights. I
often wonder why students are so different in the way they interact and
if they can change and develop the skills to live in peace.
I believe it is possible to teach young people cooperation and respect. I have a good friend who used a creative consequence when her sons fought. She and her husband had “work camp” – some work project in the house or yard that required the boys’ cooperation to complete. Before long, the boys were happily working together. Students can learn to cooperate by working together to complete projects. They can learn to treat others with encouragement and patience. As the school year progresses, I can see the students learning to treat others with respect.
Some begin to give words of encouragement to others and
to show self-restraint by getting into fewer arguments.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we give and receive many wishes of “Peace on Earth, good will to men.” Peace does indeed begin with each one of us, children and adults alike. After all, God sent us the perfect example of how we can “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.”
Prayer for Today:
God of all people, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with
me. Amen.
Jan D.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336