Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: STEAM (12/03/15)
-
TITLE: Where Are The Peacemakers? | Previous Challenge Entry
By M. C. Syben
12/08/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Breaking up a fight isn’t easy. I tried once when a bar room brawl tumbled out onto a sleepy, little town’s sidewalk, at my feet. Some spectators followed to watch, male of course. A young man wearing smashed glasses was on the bottom of the scrap. A stocky blonde fellow sat on top throwing punch after punch. As the only female, I, at first, stood there, in shock. Then, I naively stepped up to the boxer’s back and placed my hand gently on his shoulder.
I said, “He’s had enough. You won. Come on, honey, it’s Christmas.”
Like a cartoon, the slugger stopped with his fist up in the air, mid-punch, and turned to glare at me. Mind you, I was twenty-five and a cutie back in the day so he stared long and hard. Then he eyed the victim…and began socking him all over again. I learned I did not have the overwhelming allure or skill to cause an act of peace.
Had I shamed the onlookers? I don’t know. Luckily, a few stepped up and saved the underdog—one called his mother to pick him up. The winner chastised me. “You’re lucky you didn’t get hit.” I probably was.
So, what does it take to bring peace to turmoil? As Christians, we know that, as individuals, God waits for each soul. If one opens his heart and surrenders, asking for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus, he is gifted with eternal life.
That salvation causes immediate changes too. Despondency allows hope to grow. Resentment welcomes forgiveness and on and on. It’s as though a “flip” button is pushed in the psyches and hearts of those who choose Jesus.
How does Christ bring fruit beyond the personal level such as with current terrorist events? How do we as Christians act as His envoys? Remember? I gave up fight intervention. However, my first instinct is to be that young gal again and walk up to a Mosque handing out pink sugar candies with Jesus printed on them. Ridiculous, huh? Crazy thing is, what if I’m not so far off?
What if Christian churches surrounded every mosque with prayer, showered them with gifts, friendship, and lack of condemnation. I think of Jesus at the well when he met a shunned Samaritan with a sordid history. Yet, He did not judge her. What’s the worst that could happen if we consistently, whole-heartedly, and as an entire church body loved American Islamic congregations?
Muslim’s overseas might say, “Don’t go to America. You’ll become a radicalized Christian and love everyone.” Or Muslim’s raised here might say, “Christians make a mean meatloaf, but how are they so full of love?”
Of course, my generation was raised with the song, Onward Christian Soldiers. I’m for protecting our brothers and sisters in Christ anywhere their persecution exists. Meanwhile, how do we thwart Muslim radicalization in this country and preclude Christian retaliation?
Is the answer within Jesus’s teachings? Can a mass gathering of our Christian leaders find it? Can we provide such a shining example of brotherhood that words of fanaticism to an American-born Muslim would sound ludicrous?
Surely, educated Christian heads understand the basic scientific fact that all matter consist of molecules. Cold water molecules, in a kettle, at first are contracted, tight. Add heat and the atoms expand transforming to vapor.
Likewise, inserting Jesus’s warmth within a human causes an excited, enlargement of atoms and a powerful steam-like energy too. That steam is Christianity. Under the umbrella of free will, it embraces compassion, hope, love, and finally, whistles all the way to Heaven.
I enjoy the fruits of our Lord, but, sadly, I’m shy about turning the heat on under a stranger’s tea pot. Is the church nation also timid to ignite a Jesus fire under those most alien to us in this country? Why? We certainly can’t rely on the secular world.
According to 700 Club reports, Muslims turn to Christianity daily in Iran, Afghanistan, and African nations, even if in secret. Shouldn’t that give us encouragement? Why not here? Yet, I’ve heard harsh, negative talk regarding Islam from some of my favorite evangelists. Will that talk stem violence in the United States if it reaches extremist ears here, Islamic or Christian?
How can I be assured our Christians leaders are actively studying a collective approach before daily Christian vs Islam rumbles erupt on our sidewalks? “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” We need action peacemakers…now. Is it happening?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I'll say this, prayer is powerful and God listens...
Thanks for sharing.
God bless~
I have no content critiques, although it would be great if you could incorporate a few personal anecdotes highlighting Christlike interactions with Muslims. My only critique is a minor punctuation issue that crops up very frequently--you should not put a comma after a small conjunction. You have one after 'so' and another one after 'yet.'
I very much appreciated your approachable, friendly writer's voice--just causal enough to sound authentic, but not so much so as to be gimmicky. This was a pleasure to read.
Your story needs to be shared everywhere. Only love is the answer.
Your article was very thought provoking. I believe prayer is very much needed in every situation.
Jesus was a peacemaker, but also angered against those hardened hearts who refused to repent.
Pray that we will be a witness to the Muslim community.