Peace free
By Brian Jones
In the words of Rodney King… “Can’t we all just get along?”
The answer to this question is as simple as the question itself. Yes! If we choose to. Remembering that we always have a choice. For many of us, it is not an envious choice, because it requires that we swallow our pride. And what is pride? One of the definitions I found describes pride as “a becoming or a dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character; self-respect, self-esteem.”
I am going to ask you to take a moment and think about an issue you have with someone. Examine the cause behind it and ask yourself, “why is this an issue for me?” Then I want you to read the definition again. If you are honest with ourselves, we can see the reason this is still an issue is simply because our pride keeps it one. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10 (KJV). We will hold on to the contention, not speak to someone, keep our distance, all because we allow our sense of expectation to be the most important thing to us. We expect folks to agree with us, to see things our way. We embrace the disagreement with an arrogant belief, that it is more important for me to be right than embracing peace between us. We are so unwilling to sacrifice our pride, for the sake of peace, that we will leave ourselves open to the perils of it. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (KJV). “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proverbs 29:23 (KJV). “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.“ Proverbs 16:18 (KJV). (Haughty spirit – a sense of grandeur or high-mindedness. Simply, thinking you are better than anyone else.)
“Would you rather be right or righteous?” Even if you are right, what does it profit you? Is being right about the issue the most important thing? As a believer, it can’t be! When we make being right the most important thing to us, we exemplifying a haughty spirit. We accept being “Pride Filled,” as well as being “Peace Free.”
The bible says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (KJV). We can’t be children of God and be unwilling to sacrifice our pride. As soldiers in the army of God our armor is specific… “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:13-17 (KJV). And what comes from us, what we should represent and what we should be associated with is peace, among other things as the word points out, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV).
Yes, I know… this is easier said than do. I hear you, but… it is worth the effort to seek peace than to endure the consequence of pride. The choice is this, lose all for nothing or lose pride for everything. Trying to hold onto the pride of being right is gaining the whole world and losing your soul. It is Fools Gold.
I believe our greatest challenge in this spiritual walk is giving up self, what we think is right and fair and how we see things should be. All for no gain, except the momentary satisfaction of being right. Endeavor to be Pride Free and Peace Filled! Forgive, restore and bask in the Peace of love. I can assure you, it is worth the sacrifice.
I am a father to 6 children and 3 grand children. I love life and enjoy the little things. Born and raised in Los Angeles. I have written all my adult life from one extant to another, but kept my writing to myself… mostly. I am a believer in God and His son Jesus Christ! In my writing I try to share the simple truths about who we are as people and how we should endeavor toward progress… not perfection.
