Live Peaceably With All Men

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

The subject of this verse is an understood "You." If it be possible, you live peaceably with all men, as much as it lieth in you.

The reason I always tell you when there's an understood subject is because it's important to know that the verses are commands directed to you (and me), and not just cute literature.

The command of this verse is for me and you to live peaceably - to be at peace - with all men. As much as lieth within you refers to something that originates within you or comes from you. As much as possible, peace should originate with and within you, and you should be able to live at peace with people if they'll let you.

Sometimes you can't have peace with people no matter what you do. You can't have peace with radical religions because they'll kill you. You can't always have peace with lost people because they'll persecute you. Sometimes they'll run you off. Sometimes you can't have peace, but if you're a Christian you should always try to do your part to live in peace with people.

To what extent should we go to have peace with people? If somebody breaks into your house, don't help them load your stuff up while they're stealing it. If they've got a gun in your face, peace is probably out of the question. If it's something that's not life threatening, be peaceable. Jesus described a kind of a "bend over backward attitude" when He said, "If somebody slaps you, turn the other cheek." I don't think He was speaking literally, but that's the attitude He preaches.

If you'll adopt the attitude that you're going to have peace, you'll do well when it comes to having peace. The Bible says let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, and it goes to say that He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. If you'll get the mindset of a servant, you won't have near as many problems as you will otherwise.

We've all heard it said that we shouldn't get mad at the convenience store clerk because we don't know what kind of day that person has had. That's true, but if you're that clerk you ought to consider yourself a servant and you won't have people fussing at you.

The Bible command to live peaceably flies in the face of what we're being taught to do when we think someone is doing us wrong. We're taught to stand up for ourselves, not to let anyone run over you.

What difference does it make if it's something minor? Would you chew somebody out or let them go in peace because you're peaceful? How does it reflect on the Lord Jesus when you and I are quick to tell people just what we think when we THINK we haven't been treated like the important people we are? I'm not going to make a scene because my steak isn't cooked medium the way I like it and I'm never going to have road rage.

TV tells us we deserve the best. The Bible tells us to be servants and to live peaceably. What you put into practice is going to depend on whether you listen to the world or the Word of God.

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