Living peaceably

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18 ESV

Living peaceably, doesn't that sound great? It is, and Paul says we can but it depends on us. We as individuals are responsible to do our best to live peaceably with everyone.

We cannot take responsibility for how others live, we can only be responsible for our own actions. But when you think of it, if every member of the Lord's body tried to live peaceably with everyone else there would be an incredible peace amongst God's people.

That being said, if there is anything less then peace amongst God's people there has to be someone not doing their best to live peaceably. When Paul makes statements like this he is asking his readers to take a look at themselves to see if they are doing their best. Statements like this one force us to look inward and reevaluate our walk. Introspection is good for us. Because, if we don't take time to look inward we don't see what God sees. He knows our hearts. What Paul is doing is getting us to know our hearts.

So today, let's look inward and see what God sees. Is what He wants to see, in us? If not, we need to make some changes. Living peaceably is far better than living at odds with others. When we are at odds with others, we are at odds with God. Not a good place to be.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman