“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”       Romans 12:18

We are called to be keepers of the peace not keepers of the rules. I find myself tempted to forget this. I have this inner “justice league” that can act up from time to time when I see things that are just “not right” with the world around me. Sometimes this is a good thing as I am able to help when there is a need. Other times this can put me right into the middle of a conflict I have no business being in at all. 

When I shift my focus from the injustice I am perceiving to the peace that I am called to keep the decisions ahead become much more clear. I remember that God is in charge and that He will bring the ultimate justice for the wrongs that are done this side of heaven. I no longer need to fret over the things I see that are less than good.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

If we live our lives constantly policing the actions of others we are missing the mark. Yes we are also called to correct and sharpen those around us but it shouldn’t be our main focus and really the Holy Spirit guides and corrects better than we ever could so unless He prompts you to say something, pray instead.

There was a time in my own life where I took part in trying to understand the motives of those around me. At first it seemed like a good spiritual practice; we are called to discern after all. Can I just say that spending time mulling over and discussing the motive of others and trying to “figure out” why people are doing what they are doing, under the guise of discernment none the less, is just not okay. This is a very destructive behavior and it is a waste of your time. More than anything else it will poison your heart and bring you to a very dark place in a pit of sin. I know because I have been there myself.

Peace is what brought me out of this pattern of behavior; remembering our task is to keep peace and live holy lives as we see in Hebrews 12:14 above.

People are going to do things we just do not understand and make decisions that we would not make. It happens all the time. If our focus is so heavy on the people around us and trying to understand them, we are sure to fall short of the calling on our lives. Shift your focus on Jesus and who He is and what He has asked you to do! Let the motives of others be discerned by God.

If you are caught in a destructive behavior cycle like what I have discussed here today I urge you to seek help from a friend or pastor you trust. If those around you are fostering this behavior as well you need to seek other friendships.