Quiet and Peaceful
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:17-19.
In addition to the election news of recent days, there has been the quiet revelation of a website that is…shall we say, dull. It is the Dull Men’s Club. The website in plain letters, quietly says about itself, “A place — in cyberspace — where Dull Men can share thoughts and experiences, free from pressures to be in and trendy, free instead to enjoy the simple, ordinary things of everyday life.” The Dull Men’s Club, is said to be a place for people who “enjoy watching grass grow.” The website states that it “contains no violence or scary scenes.” This apparently, also includes exclamation points, because they too are avoided. The creator of the website, Lee Carlson says, “Many people – corporate executives and celebrities I’ve heard about – enjoy doing the dull things.”
From the personal experience of being a man, I doubt that there are many men who think of themselves as being dull. It is unlikely, that there are many who would make it their life goal to become a dull person. In fact, I think it would be almost shocking (As is the Dull Men’s Club website), to encounter someone whose goal it is to be dull. Sadly, I think that many view the Christian life as being dull. As a result, the Christian life, Christian people, and all things Christian, are looked at as being dull and borrring. The Christian life is far from being dull, and is instead a daily adventure when lived, as it ought to be lived.
The apostle Paul urges that we live “quiet and peaceable lives” and that we live “peaceably with all men.” Living quiet lives, peaceable lives can be a challenge, and is far from living a dull life. It may be easier to live quiet and peaceable lives, in a rural setting, than it is in an urban area. But it is still possible to have God’s peace, wherever you live, and in whatever situation you may be. You cannot manufacture this peace and quiet through your own strength, or power. No, that is not possible. The apostle does tell us how to have that peace in Philippians 4:6-7 where he writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Prayer is necessary, to engage the supernatural power of God which will bring about that peace that we long to have.
There has been a peaceful change of power in the United States. How much of a change is yet to be seen, but there have already been some changes. No one in the United States wants to live in a world of war and violence. If we really want to live quiet and peaceable lives, Paul tells us what we should be continually doing. He says, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
(The apostle Paul urges that we live “quiet and peaceable lives” and that we live “peaceably with all men.”)