We Are Not the Chaplain of the State: What the Beatitudes Teach Us About Peacemaking

Recently, I watched the new Bob Dylan movie, “A Complete Unknown.” As someone who grew up in the 60s, I loved it. So many musical memories. So many emotional recollections of the decade’s turbulent events. But riding that same memory wave was the thought, “How much has changed?” To quote another folk song from that time, “When will they ever learn?”

Once again, we are living in turbulent times, times in which some rejoice while others weep; times that fill some with anticipation, and others dread. Whether it is the media or our own interactions, we are living in the midst of extreme social, economic, and political polarization. To echo Thomas Paine, these are the times that try our souls.

These are the times to look to the Jesus Way.

The Beatitudes: Living Life Like Jesus

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” - Matthew 5:9

The greatest collection of Jesus’ teaching is the Sermon on the Mount, and at its core are the Beatitudes. These eight truths are Jesus’ standard, His direction for a life built upon the Kingdom. They serve as a plumb line – –an image that Amos used to show us God’s standard. The Beatitudes stand as a biography of Jesus, the One who chose humility, mercy, a willingness to mourn, a love for justice and righteousness. In an era that values power over character, expediency over integrity, we — as followers of the Jesus Way — need to be willing to hold up the Beatitudes as His standard. They are His litmus test, by which we consider those who rule over us, even when that comes at a cost.

Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking: What Jesus Says About Peace

Peacekeeping is what we do in order to avoid conflict, to be well thought of, to “go along to get along.” At its root, peacekeeping uses the vehicle of compromise in order to hold onto status or to be well thought of. Peacekeeping is ultimately for our own benefit. But Jesus declared blessing upon peacemakers.

Peacemaking points us outward to what is right for others, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. It is not easy; it is not for those who are carried along by the momentum of the majority. Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who want, prefer, or even love peace.” The favor of God rests on those who make peace.

Making peace requires strength and determination. It requires speaking what is often unpopular; surprisingly, this can be most apparent among our peers. We quickly discover that we are surrounded by those who wish we would simply keep quiet, to stop making waves. However, peacemakers are committed to “speaking the truth in love,” confident in the power of love to transcend differences.

How do we, the church, make peace without merely adding to the jangle of noise already surrounding all of us? The answer is found in the Beatitudes. True peacemaking pushes us back to our own truest being. Again and again, we must fully embrace our poverty of spirit, meekness, humility, the genuine sorrow of those who are suffering injustice, and hearts of true mercy. Without these being constantly worked into our lives, our peacemaking deteriorates into self-righteousness and angst.

As followers of the way that Jesus taught us to live, we do not have the option to keep quiet. Yet as Paul told the Colossians, as we speak, our words must be “seasoned with grace” — gracious but unbending words. If, as peacemakers, we are going to enter into resolving conflict, we must stay gentle, but not weak — like velvet-covered steel. We must also be willing to pay the price of misunderstanding and offense. This should neither deter nor surprise us.

Peacemaking is not passive nor easy. Following Jesus often leads us to swim upstream against the momentum of society (even church society). Jesus called the church salt and light, released into the world as change agents. Walter Brueggemann wrote, “The role of the church is to change the conversation away from greed, fear, and violence; instead we proclaim their opposites: generosity, trust, and peacemaking … That’s the only conversation worth having.”

Peacemaking in Today’s Troubled Landscape

Peacemaking is not a concept or a theology. Right now the world needs the church to be a prophetic people. It needs a people who, beyond intimidation, beyond our dread of making waves, will speak the truth and refuse to keep quiet in the light of great injustices. Right now — at this time — millions of lives in Gaza and Ukraine hang in the balance. 

The church must not keep silent. She is not called to be the chaplain of the state. She is the Bride of Christ. She is called to follow the Jesus Way.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”

Want to deepen your understanding and commitment to the Beatitudes? Discover practical insights and an in-depth look at how the Beatitudes can guide us through crisis in The Beatitudes for a Time of Crisis by Steve Stewart. Additionally, check out our podcast episode, "Intro to The Sermon on the Mount," where we unpack these timeless teachings and explore their relevance in our modern world. These resources offer fresh perspectives and practical wisdom to empower your journey toward peacemaking and faithful living.

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