Whack A Mole

Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus to teach doctrine and personal responsibility. What he said to them still applies to believers today. In chapter four, Paul communicates that believers should be peaceful people. He doesn’t just say we should be peaceful people, he goes on to explain what this looks like by explaining what peaceful people do and this is where it gets complicated. Paul writes:

“25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin:” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:25-32

If you take these verses and turn them into a list of what peaceful people do or don’t do it looks like this:

1. Don’t lie.
2. Speak truthfully to your neighbor.
3. Love one another
4. Don’t sin in anger.
5. Be forgiving.
6. Don’t steal.
7. Earn your keep by working if you are able.
8. Share what you have with others.
9. Don’t complain all the time.
10. Use your mouth to build others up.
11. Don’t grieve God by sinning.
12. Don’t be bitter.
13. Don’t be full of rage.
14. Don’t be angry all the time
15. Stop fighting with each other
16. Don’t slander.
17. Don’t have the intention to do evil things.
18. Be kind
19. Be compassionate.

That’s a long list! Sometimes I feel like as soon as I have mastered one ugly attitude or action on the list, a new ugly one that I need to work on pops up. It’s like that game “Whack A Mole.” Have you ever played it? It’s the game where moles keep popping up out of holes in a board and you have a soft hammer to knock them back down. The object of the game is to smash every mole that pops its head up and the more moles you smash, the more points you earn. It’s a fun game to play, but it’s not a fun way to live.

Becoming more peaceful is a worthwhile goal. If you are married, or in a relationship, your significant other will appreciate it, if you have kids, they will appreciate it, and if you own a business or work with one, your coworkers will appreciate it. In order to be a person of peace we need the Holy Spirit to help us to grow more mature in our faith. We need the Holy Spirit to transform us on the inside. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Are you closer to Christ today than you were last year at this time? If not, what do you need to change? Is there one area you can whack at this week? One thing? Can you make one change that will help you to become a peaceful person?