Peacemakers

These days my thoughts are often consumed with peace. Oh, how the world needs peace. Yes, I know, even back in Bible times they were praying for the peace of Jerusalem, but just because peace has been elusive throughout history doesn’t temper our desire for it today. Every time another Iowa soldier dies in Iraq or Afghanistan, I feel very sorry. I don't doubt that my sadness is shared by you as well.

We follow one who is the Prince of Peace and said that peacemakers are blessed. It is important for Christians to work for peace. He renounced violence as the way for humans to solve their disputes. Yet, since the earthly ministry of Jesus, millions have died in warfare. War is the ultimate breakdown of community.

I was disappointed to read in the USA Weekend magazine that G.I.Joe is making a comeback as a popular child’s toy. How do these war toys help us teach and practice peace? Man of the popular video games that youth and adults play use fake violence. How do these games help us to promote peace?

Last Sunday the Des Moines Register printed the grim death totals: 3,793 U.S. military members have died in the Iraq war along with 73,390 civilians. Can anyone give a good reason why so many people have had to die?

No doubt terrorism is a concern, but terror has been with us since a cave man picked a club in anger against his neighbor. Terror has been with us since the days of Cain and Abel. Terror will not be eliminated any more than poverty, disease, or stupidity. However, we can work on the root causes of terrorism. Have you noticed how little attentions is given to the root causes? Terrorism is surely related to economic deprivation and political oppression as well as other injustices.

What if the nations of the world would put as much effort and money into eliminating the root causes of unrest in the world as they do in building arms. One billion dollars will buy lots of food and vaccinate lots of children. It would let us dig lots of wells and clothe many people. Happy people don’t become terrorists.

We live in a democracy — majority rules and the will of the people prevails. Most Americans oppose the war in Iraq. We can speak out. We can write to our elected officials. We can join a rally for peace and lift up our voices. Peace won’t just come, we must fight for it and will for it. When we are peacemakers, we can be confident that we are walking the way of our Lord, the Prince of Peace.