Carol McClain

Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

by Carol McClain

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matt, 5:9

 

Christian: are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

Non-Christian: are you blaming the Christian for your lack of faith?

Look at the checklists below and see how you need to adjust your attitudes.

 

 

When reading the Beatitudes, do not think you have to be a good-works-doer to become a child of God.

Ask yourself these question–if the answer to ALL is yes–you’re a child of God

1. You’re a sinner.
2. You cannot stop sinning on your own.
3. You believe Jesus Christ is God.
4. You believe he died for our sins.
5. He rose on the third day.
6. You are living a changed life.
7. Then, like creation, you can rest on #7 in the assurance you are a child of God.

The biggest criticism I hear about Christian is they’re confrontational and condemning and do not do what they preach.

For the non-believer reading this blog

1. Read #1  and then #2 above.
2. We do all sin–even the Christian.
3. This fact doesn’t excuse condemnation. However, do not confuse truth with condemnation.

For the Christian

1. Heb 12: 14: Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (emphasis mine)
2. We are to be peaceful with others.
3. Before striving to convict a sinner (actually–that’s the Holy Spirit’s job), we must strive for holiness.
4. Check your own life, motivations, attitudes.

In summary

You need no words from me–only those of the Apostle Paul:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Rom. 12:14-18, emphasis mine).

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Choices We Make