Peace, brother!
by Stuart Gray
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The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever (Isaiah 32:17).
To describe a person as ‘quietly confident’ gives a sense of one who knows their abilities, competence and control but with a sense of humility and not boastful or arrogant. It is not the type of leadership that is common in these times.
I often hear people moaning about the lack of charismatic leaders in our society, leaders who are dynamic and great orators who inspire people to achieve great things, be that in business, politics, the church or in life in general. Maybe the desire for such leaders is, it seems, an easier pathway than having to be a leader in your own sphere of influence, take personal risks and be exposed to the barbs and criticisms that leaders must manage.
But maybe what is missing is righteousness.
Last December, Pastor Nathan Hedt’s devotion explored righteousness as having two main elements.
The first is to be right in our relationship with God. Not perfect or sinless – and certainly not judgemental – but having a heart tuned in to God’s heart.
The second element of righteousness is that righteous people seek the good, the benefit and the blessing of the whole community. They invest their time, wealth and resources not for themselves but for the good of society.
Isaiah says that the fruit of God’s righteousness is peace. How we long for peace. But peace is something fought for; we have to actively work for peace. Our prayers for peace are loud at the moment – peace in Ukraine and peace in our highly polarised society, among many other things.
Maybe we haven’t achieved peace because we have not focused on righteousness first.
As Pastor Hedt said, let us pursue righteousness, for in doing so, we will be met and filled by God himself!
Heavenly Father, we long for peace, quietness and confidence forever. Help us pursue righteousness so that we may bring peace to our world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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