Being Christ-Like
Saturday’s Verse:
From Romans 14:17-19ESV
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Yesterday was a big day for us sports fans who can’t wait for the start of the World Cup next year, which will be held in North America. In fact, the finals are going to be held literally down the street from me at Met Life Stadium. Before they even started calling the groups the national teams would be paired in, there was some entertainment program, and the bestowing of FIFA’s first-ever “FIFA Peace Prize,” which was awarded to President Donald Trump. It was given to him for all his work in ending wars worldwide.
The idea of a peace prize is good - it honors those who work to bring unity. It doesn’t really matter what the criteria or even the “whys” were. I believe the importance of any peace award is to show that the person receiving it actually did something to foster peace, to end bloodshed, and to work for harmony, especially in areas of the world that have been so ravaged by death and hatred.
From a Lutheran perspective, we are reminded that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict or the accolade of an award. It is the restoration given in Christ: peace with God (justification) and peace with our neighbour (sanctification). Our verses remind us that the kingdom God invites us into is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit — not just public trophies or symbolic gestures.
Let us model Christ-like peace in our daily lives: In relationships, at work, or in our communities, pursuing what builds up rather than what promotes self-glory. We should ask ourselves daily whether we are seeking a Godly focus on peace or striving for human applause. And always we should give thanks to God, even when things feel odd. It is still good when institutions attempt to honor peace. We can thank God for every spark of unity. But we also pray that they be purified, aligned with the gospel, and accountable.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Almighty God, you are the Author of peace and the reconciler of all things in heaven and on earth: We thank you for the call to live in the kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Help us not to be carried away by merely human honours, but to seek the peace that flows from the cross of Christ. Grant wisdom and humility to those who receive public recognition, and empower us, your people, to embody peace in the power of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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