The Good Life - Being a Reconciler

Our Theme for 2025 is “Live Like Jesus”

It comes out of a simple desire to follow Jesus - and to learn better what that means.

We are spending the entire year in the Gospel of Matthew.

We began with a short portion of scripture that summarizes Matthews gospel - The sermon on the Mount - and specifically the beatitudes.

Matthew five through seven contains a text referred to as the sermon on the mount and the first twelve verses are called the beatitudes.

Matthew 5:1–12 ESV

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus opens his sermon on the mount with eight statements about “the good life”, but the good life is not what you think.

The beatitudes are a kind of “spiritual alignment.”

Live like Jesus means aligning our minds, hearts and actions with His.

You can live the good life and live with in your means.

You also have to give yourself permission to feel.

The meek, the people you probably never notice, are going to be the ones left standing when all is said and done.

We talked about our desires - what to you want and what do you love? - is how you define “the good life.”

Mercy, really caring, is what God gives to us, and it is because of His mercy that we can really care for others.

Last week we are talking about the purity of our inner life - having our thoughts and intentions cleansed- so that we can perceive the Divine.

This week is about joining God on His mission - reconciling the world to Himself - and that we find our identity in that purpose.

Matthew 5:9 ESV

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Peacemakers” has meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

Growing us in the Mennonite church, peacemaking mean that we were pacifists - conscientious objectors to war and other forms of violence.

We believed that Christians should not defend themselves, even when threatened.

On the other hand, I know that there are others who believe that peace is best made and kept from a positions of strength.

That has been the position of our US military and its various branches.

I remember growing that a local police officer frequently visited our house and he had a gun.

I asked him why he carried a gun and he said - so I hopefully ,never have to use it.

It is ironic that even the definition of “peacemaking” forces people to take sides.

That has resulted in a third camp - the “passive peacemakers” - these are the ones who avoid conflict at all costs.

“blessed are the peacemakers” means “let’s just change the subject, shall we?’

Whatever peacemaking means - I’m pretty sure it doesn’t mean not talking about it!

There once was a group of friends who loved playing practical jokes on each other. One day, they decided to prank their friend by hiding his favorite snack. After much searching, he found it hidden in the fridge, with a note that said, 'Reconcile with your snacks!' Notice the double-meaning of the message. In other words, if you don’t want to be parted from your favorite snack, share it with your friends. Just like that snack needed reconciliation, we use whatever means we have to be peacemakers in a world that is so easily divided. This is just one light-hearted example of how peacemaking is certainly not passive.

The ambiguity around “what is a peacemaker” has caused me to choose a different word - “reconciler.”

That is a biblical term that we can more easily recognize in scripture.

An just as in the example, “reconcile” gives a clearer picture of what needs to happen.

To reconcile means to bring what was separated back together.

In Greek, it denotes a change from enmity to friendship, or a complete removal of impediments to unity and peace

We make not always know what it means to make peace, but we usually know what it takes to reconcile, or at least how to take steps in that direction, and that is also how we make peace.

The good life is found in actively participating in God's work of reconciliation, which reflects His character and brings peace to a broken world.

Let’ look at some other New Testament scriptures which expand on the themes of peace and reconciliation.

Planting seeds of peace

James 3:13–18 ESV

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

My friends at The Bible Project Podcast have pointed out that James makes extensive use of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount in His letter.

Some have even referred to James as a commentary on Jesus’ sermon.

James, the writer of the letter, was likely the brother of Jesus who was also the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

We would be writing primarily to Jewish believers who have an general understanding of peace from the Old Testament (shalom) as being a state of personal and communal wholeness.

It recalls the promise of God’s restoration of His people and of the earth.

You may also recall that the promise of peace comes through covenant - an agreement and alignment with God.

Isaiah 54:10 ESV

10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

James reminds these early followers of Jesus that God’s promise of peace doesn’t come from doing things the world’s way.

Peace only comes from doing things God’s way and doing it consistently.

Peace is the demonstration of God’s wisdom.

James 3:13–16 NLT

13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

If you are feeling “called out” then that is exactly what James intended.

We have talked about how “the good life” according to Jesus is, in so may ways, just the opposite of what the world thinks it is.

Most people think that the good life is getting to the top or being the one who is in control.

We have already learned that the meek - the ones who are not trying to get to the top- are going to be the ones left standing when all is said and done.

The result of this way of thinking as that people in the world tend to try to pretend that they are something or someone that they are not, but its all just a facade.

The wisdom of God, on the other hand, is not pretentious.

It means doing the right things for the right reason.

Doing what is right because it is right and not just to look good.

That is what is means to be truly wise, not that your are trying to be a “wise guy” but that you show that you truly understand what is important.

When you align yourself with God who truly loves the world and sacrifices to save us, you demonstrate that you get it.

You see the value of love and of God’s purpose - and not just for what you can get out of it.

On the other hand, when you use people to get what you want for yourself - all while pretending to be the good guy- that’s just evil!

But that’s the way of the world, say whatever you have to say and do whatever you have to do to get ahead!

Yes, and it’s also demonic and evil, James says - it is the nature of the spiritual world that is in rebellion against God - and it is reflected in our human sinful nature.

Peacemaking in this world can never be passive because of the larger spiritual battle in which we all must definitely take a side.

The first thing that we all must fight is indifference.

And the second is the kind of independence which puts ourselves at the center of our own universe.

Put it in perspective - open yourself to God’s wisdom.

That self-centered attitude is the essence of spiritual rebellion.

That’s what’s wrong with the world.

And it’s what’s wrong with us.

Peace begins with me.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth"  is a song written by 

Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller  in 1955

. It was initially performed by the International Children's Choir and has since become an anthem for peace, appealing to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The song emphasizes the idea that peace begins with each individual, encouraging listeners to contribute to a more harmonious world.

Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony.

Notice that the key to unity in the song is relating to one another in the light of our mutual relationship to God.

That puts God at the center - not you or me.

But that does mean that we are not important as individuals.

Peace only happens as we individually recognize our relationship to God and respond accordingly.

And that is not instantaneous, it takes time and nurture to cultivate those relationships with God and with each other.

James 3:17–18 NLT

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Order, righteousness and right-relationships don’t just happen - not in this broken world anyway.

They grow organically when they are cultivated -tended to.

We can’t just make peace happen either, but we can plant seeds that lead to peace.

In other words - we have to do our part - and if others do theirs - well then it will all come together as it should!

But what if others do not do their part?

That’t just it, we don’t have any control over that.

And if we did, their response wouldn;t be meaningful in terms of the relationship.

It’s a risk - and God took that risk with each of us.

And that is the risk we all need to be willing to take if peace and reconciliation are ever to become a reality.

Serving as agents of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:16–20 ESV

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

have you ever dreamed of being a “secret agent”? You get a mysterious envelope that says “Top Secret” on it. Inside is an official memo with an elaborate seal and a message that reads like this:

God has a mission to restore the world to its original created design and elicits your services to this end. Enemy agents have infiltrated humanity and encoded human DNA with a propensity toward selfishness and rebellion against God. Your mission, should you accept it, is to use every available opportunity to recognize this code and replace it with a self-replicating program of love, generosity and forgiveness to counter its effects.

Is that what you signed up for?

Sounds exciting doesn’t it?

Well, it is.

Your mission begins with understanding God’s mission and finding your own unique assignment as part of that mission.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 ESV

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

God’s plan becomes the very purpose that we live for.

It’s just like signing up for military service- you don’t belong to yourself anymore.

That is something that pacifist need to wrestle with as well- that they are not running from service - but seeing themselves as enlisted in a different kind of service.

You are part of something bigger than yourself.

And your life serves a higher purpose.

You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God and an ambassador - God’s representative - in this world.

Peace is reconciliation with God.

The first order of business is reconciliation with God.

You cannot represent God if your are not reconciled to God.

You cannot serve God if God is not your Lord and Master.

There cannot be any question as to your loyalty or alignment with God’s plan and purpose.

Before you can be an ambassador of peace, you need peace with God.

Romans 5:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Our “boot camp” is the time that we spend with God in His presence.

Our physical fitness training is time spend in prayer and in the Word, leaning to know Him better.

Why is that important?

Because when you face the enemy, they will do everything it heir power to get you to doubt or blame God, others, even yourself.

That’s where you need to rely on your training.

The truth can seem rather uncertain at times, unless you have it so deep inside you.

That you begin to question even your doubts.

And your fears are what make you really afraid.

Trust is implicit and faith is more real that what you feel or see.

How do you know that God is real?

You know it when you know God.

“Of course God is real, I talked to Him this morning!”

God is real because the separation that kept you from God is gone.

You have been reconciled to God, and what is more is that you have become part of His reconciliation movement.

Peace is recognizing the true identity of people.

Back to the illustration of being a secret agent - we are not just agents- we are double agents.

We function of members of this world and it’s organizations - but we also recognize that the systems of this world are failing.

Why? Because they are all based on the assumption that we are the centers of our own universe.

Most of our human organizations are really just collaborations of self-centered pursuits.

Do businesses really exist to serve their customers or do they exist to make money for their stockholders.

If those two objectives ever become mutually exclusive, see which one wins!

Even charitable organizations really exist mostly just to make people feel good about themselves.

Ask anyone what happens if you fail to give credit or to thank your volunteers - you won’t have any - it’s as simple as that.

Even the church, which exists glorify God by fulfilling Christ’s earthly ministry and mission sometimes looses focus.

When the money dries up or people fail to get recognition they abandon ship - just like in worldly organizations.

Ironically, the places where the church thrives and grows the fastest is where there is persecution.

It seems that opposition is the best way to ensure a strong continuing connection with God.

So as double-agents we participate in this worlds systems, but we have a different objective in mind - bringing people into the Kingdom of God.

And that means when we look as people, we see them with different eyes.

Everyone you meet is a person created by God in His image to serve and to glorify Him.

The problem is that most of them don’t know it - yet!

Some of them have definitely sided with the enemy and will try to destroy you if you reveal your true identity or theirs.

Most people are just ignorant, having bought into the lies that God either doesn’t exist, doesn’t care or just wants to control them.

Most people know just enough about religion to be immune to the truth.

How are they ever going to know?

You can tell them, but chances are, they are not going to understand.

They are going to think that you want their money or that you are looking for acknowledgement - because that is how it usually works.

The only way they are going to come to a different conclusion is by seeing something completely different.

They need to see a kind of Christianity that is unlike what they have seen before.

People who love and serve God, not because they are part of a system but as part of their true identity.

The best way to show them who they really are is to show them that we know who we really are.

Becoming Sons and Daughters of God

1 John 3:1–3 ESV

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

We read this scripture last week at the very end of the message about God wanting to restore our innocence so we can see and relate to him.

God wants to restore innocence - where not only do we know that we are loved, but we are also unaware or our shame and unafraid of evil.

The larger context for that thought is our identity as sons and daughters of God.

Remember how the child is loved even though they are dirty?

That is not just and illustration - that is how it is in reality.

We are not reconciled to God as strangers - we are restored sons and daughters.

We are people created in God’s image.

A reflection of His goodness.

Returning to His original intention and to our original purpose.

So how do we do this?

Allow God to lead you.

Romans 8:14 ESV

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

God has called us to be reconcilers - but He doesn’t ask us to do it alone.

He has given us His Holy Spirit as our guide.

The important thing is that we don’t try to do God’s work without Him.

There is nothing more tiresome than trying to do God’s work without God’s help and God;s strength.

You wouldn’t think of deploying yourself as a soldier with your own plans and your own equipment!

No, you function as part of a unit where each one follows their orders and they work together.

That is where the Holy Spirit comes in.

The Spirit is the one who purifies us.

The Spirit helps us to discern even our own thoughts to know what is the way of the world and what is God’s way.

Romans 8:5–7 ESV

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

The first step to being a reconciler is being at peace with God and with ourselves.

That comes from a mind that is set on the Spirit.

We know and have declared which side of the battle we are on.

We are aligned with God and attuned to the Spirit.

And while we live, and relate with those in the world, we know who we are and to whom we belong.

While the worlds systems operate by “what’s in it for me,” we operate according to love.

Let love be your motivation.

Luke 6:35 ESV

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

The only way to know peace and the only way to make peace is to be rooted and grounded in love.

Ephesians 3:17–19 ESV

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Love has to be our only motivation and our ultimate reward.

This world can never know peace apart from God, because God is the source of peace.

Peace is the wholeness that existed before this world became broken by sin.

And peace will be it’s final state when God restores the created order.

But peace will never happen as long as we insist on being gods of our own universes.

As long as we are part of the rebellion, we can never know peace.

Fortunately, we can be reconciled to God because of love.

Love reached out to us while we were still in rebellion.

Love made a way for us to be reconciled to God, when we though He was the enemy.

Love restores us to relationship with God, not as prisoners of war, but as His beloved sons and daughters.

Dearly loved and entrusted with His identity, His mission and His purpose.

Questions for reflection:

Are you a reconciler? Are you reconciled to God and others? What steps can we take to cultivate a deeper relationship with God that supports our mission as reconcilers?

Do you know that you are a son or daughter of God? Are you motivated by His love? How does understanding our identity as children of God influence our actions and attitudes towards others?

Do you know that as a Christ-follower you have a purpose and an assignment? What are some specific actions you can take this week to wake up each day with the mission of reconciliation in mind?