By Leo Hellyer
Most people who know me are probably quite surprised to see me writing an article on peace. Those who know me best usually place me in the category of a hawk. I do tend to be protective and aggressive. I have spent a large part of my life seeking peace. Another way to phrase it that may be more correct is that I believe in peace…through strength.
When I served on active duty in the United States Air Force, I served in the Strategic Air Command on a combat crew on B-52s, ready on a moment’s notice to execute our assigned mission. Our motto was Peace Is Our Profession. Our then-commander in chief, Ronald Reagan, believed in peace through strength.
Now that I am retired from the military, I still support peace through strength daily, but from a different perspective. I don’t want to get into politics, so let’s look at this from a Christian perspective. As Christian men we are to be more Christ-like every day of our lives. As Christ walked the Earth, His actions reflected peace through strength. In this instance, and in our living out life as Christian men, our strength is spiritual, our strength comes from God.
There is a wonderful book that addresses this type of peace. Author Ken Sande wrote, “The Peace Maker” to guide us through the process of providing peace through strength from a Christian perspective. This is a biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. In his preface to the book, Sande presents four basic principles of peacemaking. The “Four G’s” are: Glorify God, Get the log out of your eye, Gently restore, and Go and be reconciled. He goes on to say that, “God has provided a way for us to overcome our innate weakness as peacemakers and learn to respond to conflict constructively.”
Most of us as men are wired to take the attack position if we are cornered or challenged. Most of the time, however, this is not the most productive response. Once again, as a Christian man, our strength needs to come from Christ and not from ourselves. How we present ourselves, how we communicate with others, what words we choose to communicate with, all impact the outcome of personal interactions.
We can use our tongues as a soothing salve or as a weapon. The outcome of the exchange of views is very different depending on how we use our tongues. The more we focus on Scripture in choosing our words and actions in difficult situations, the more likely we are to choose constructive, positive ways to communicate. This will give us strength in our communications with others.
Sande shares several Scripture references in his book; I am listing just a few below:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
If your mind is anything like mine, it is essential to keep it functioning in the correct direction. All my life, and especially when dealing with difficult conversations, it goes much better if my mind is focusing on the Word of God. In Philippians 4:8 it says, “think about such things,” and lists some godly traits. If we will concentrate on those things, engage our mental filter, and respond in the strength of God, the results of our interactions will be much more productive and constructive instead of being fruitless and destructive.
Our walk with Christ needs to be such that the loving, inspired words of truth for our lives, that are spoken into us by Christ, are heard clearer and more forcefully than all the distracting guidance we receive from the world we live in, and from the father of lies. To make the proper choices throughout our lives, we need to have a close, loving, obedient, committed relationship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. If we have that, we will live in peace and with strength from God Almighty.
Each of us is currently in a daily battle for survival. There is spiritual warfare all around us. We are in the middle of it. There is a battle going on for each soul. If you attempt to go into this very real spiritual battle in your own strength, you will either end up as a prisoner of war or your life will be taken for eternity. The only way to be victorious in this battle of spirituality, truth and lies, good and evil, is to live your life daily with the full armor of God. This is the way to peace through strength.
There is a unique way to determine if you are operating in peace through strength (God’s strength). Consider this. If you were brought up on charges in court of being a Christian in all aspects of your life, including how you deal with conflicts, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you living life in every way in a godly, constructive, supportive manner? Are you a light in a world of darkness? Are you a man of God in all that you do? Is God Almighty the compass for your life? Let us pray so.
Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church. He has been married to his wife, Norma, for 53 years and has served with Boise Rescue Mission for over 25 years. He is co-founder and training counselor with Taktikor Defense Group. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or (208) 340-5544.
