It's No Accident
Peace does not break out accidently.
Building does not happen by chance.
Paul tells the Romans that we must "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v19). Peace between people is intentional. Edification is purposeful. An effort must be made. They must be pursued. With ambition. As the target. It's no accident.
The apostle has just finished telling us that we must absolutely avoid arguing and judging other believers over things that don't really matter (Rom 14:13-18). Don't put people down for what they do or do not eat (that was a BIGGIE in the first century church!). We must not put up stumbling blocks for our brothers and sisters. In other words, don't do things that inhibit their walk with Jesus.
There are essentials and non-essentials in our faith. Let's not waste time on things that simply don't matter. Worship style. Bible translation. Day of worship. Communion. Baptism. We spend WAY too much time arguing over how we do things and too little time encouraging others in their relationship with Jesus.
Paul encourages us to "pursue" peace and harmony in the church. The Greek verb here is dioko. This word has a broad range of meanings depending on usage and context. It is the idea of running swiftly in order to catch someone or something, to seek eagerly, earnestly and endeavor to acquire something. It some contexts it can mean to persecute, mistreat or drive away. There is the thought of doggedness and unrelenting focus on the objective. You will not be denied.
A close look at the grammar tells us that this pursuit doesn't stop. The apostle uses the present tense. We are to pursue now and to continually pursue these things. This tells us that they are elusive and difficult to maintain. We must continually be running after peace and edification. They will not come easily or naturally. They will not happen by accident. We must be intentional.
We are to sprint after "peace and mutual upbuilding" (v19). "Peace" is the Greek eirene, meaning harmony, safety or tranquility. Interestingly, it is probably from the root verb eiro, which means to join. In other words, when things are joined together, they can't oppose each other. They must be in harmony. Otherwise, they won't be joined for long.
Am I pursuing peace?
Paul also commands us to not be denied when it comes to building up each other. The original text here is oikodome. This is a compound noun from root words meaning "home" (oikos) and "building" (doma). The word can actually mean construction or building project. It's the idea of not only building up but strengthening and encouraging. Many other translations use the term edify or edification. Are we staying focused on the things that build up ourselves, other believers and the church? Are we pursuing what strengthens each other in Christ? Are doggedly determined to encourage each other in our walk with Jesus?
Am I pursuing the growth of others in Jesus?
The Message cuts to the chase. "So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help each other with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault " (Rom 14:19 MSG). Pursuit of anything other harmony and encouragement is an absolute waste of time. This doesn't mean we shouldn't lovingly correct and rebuke someone who is sinning. That is a critical part of peace and edification in the body of Christ.
Peace. Building up each other. We must pursue them. We must run after them. We must be intentional. We must be purposeful. They don't come easy. They aren't easy to maintain.
It's no accident.
Created 4 months ago
