Why Would You Want an Impossible Peace?

Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve. (Psalm 28:3–4)

Today’s big question: why would you want an impossible peace?

From time to time I see bumper stickers that use symbols of various beliefs—such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—in place of letters to spell the word “Coexist.” The purpose of this bumper sticker is to give the idea that we should tolerate all worldviews and beliefs. We can tolerate them in the sense that we put up with them and do “coexist,” but we cannot tolerate these beliefs in the redefined sense of accepting them as true. There are many people in the world who proclaim “tolerance” and “peace,” yet their works are often inconsistent with their words.

For the most part, many who shout “tolerance” are only declaring that they want others to tolerate their beliefs. They do not want to submit to God. Instead, they want to live their way, and want others to accept them. These people are sadly mistaken, however, since Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Biblical Christianity is intolerant of all other worldviews. Paul wrote, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4–6). So why do these people want an impossible peace?

When talking about the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus stated, “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27). Many want to appear as though they are taking the “high road,” when they are actually full of hypocrisy and lawlessness—works of the flesh. Though the wicked want peace, beware of their motives. “They do not regard the works of the Lord” (Psalm 28:5), and in the end, He will judge them.

The wicked will never receive a true peace without God, but believers have grace and peace from God through Jesus Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can “turn away from evil and do good . . . [and] seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). We should not be tolerant of other views, as God is not tolerant. However, we should remember “if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). In other words, live in peace if possible, but do not compromise your worldview.

Today’s big idea: the wicked are intolerant of God.

What to pray: ask God to help you never to compromise your faith and live in peace when possible.