HAVE PEACE AMONG THE SAINTS, For the Peace of God Within Us: Checkmate

Even the late Rodney King realized the imperative for us to all get along. Some of us try hard, others turn a blind eye, still for others it depends on which direction the wind blows.  Yet, there is a walk that is worthy of and well pleasing to the Lord, and we must purpose to walk that walk. This week our Devotional Team takes you on a journey of encouragement. Join us for “Peace Among the Saints” and be encouraged with this week's scriptures!

What were they thinking with this game, and these curious characters, these gangs flexing against each other for territorial gain, and domination? What were they thinking with this game out of India called Chaturanga, which begat Shatranj out of Persia, which preceded XiangQi come of China? What were they thinking with this board boasting the likes of so-called pawns and rooks and bishops and knights, and kings? And what were they thinking with the boss of all characters, these queens? What's to be said about this enduring thing called 'chess'?

Not surprisingly, without the gongs and whistles and flares of our modern electronic games, or the athletic contests played upon fields, the games of old, true to the human condition relishes conflict, and leans towards illustrating the too familiar language of unrelenting confrontation, the winner keeping it's king and the once shared place one might consider home. We are informed that home will only accommodate one king and one abiding type by color, all else brought to submission or extinction. Life on the board is binary. There are winners and losers.

At the heart of it all, is the most powerful piece and personality, the queen. Should she survive the beginnings of the game, her capability makes her the most stealthy and 'muscular' of them all, yet, it is the survivorship of the king which dictates victory. She intimidates, staid upon the squared platform which shares her color, eager to be moved, waiting to serve home and king with great reach, sharpening every arrow and every word. Her actions speak for her as the drama of the game unfolds... one move, one reaction at a time. Thought and intuition abide within order and rule. Life on the board has absolutes.

As with life, none on the board lasts very long, but the enduring leave their mark in history. So with focus and zeal, all fight including the queen, not so gingerly, doing the same, beating the opposition. It's 'dog eat dog' on this board. It's 'my way or the highway'. But, in contrast:
Let the saints in true life raise up saints, and among the saints let there be peace.
Letting the saints be plenteous, let there be peace among all of the saints, in fellowship.
The world may boast 'survival of the fittest' but the way of Jesus offers a contrast.
The world may propose 'have it your way' but the way of Christ says differently.
The world under the sway of the evil one says 'if it feels good, do it.' The faith posits otherwise.
Be encouraged. Have peace through strength, through the strength of the gospel, the power of God unto salvation.
This same effect of the gospel embraces forgiveness and reconciliation and prescribes community.

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:17, 18 [CSB] Let your redemption speak. Shine Jesus' light. Know 'Blessed are the peacemakers'. So, be and do. Amen. Pray, to think and to do the righteous and the loving, all to the glory of God. This is living 'worthy of the calling you have received'. Checkmate.

Prayer:  LORD, thank You for redemption, for forgiveness, and for reconciliation, and for every jot and tittle of grace, rightly unsettling and settling 'me' within mercy's present day. I will to live the life, to work the work, and to rejoice and be glad in it, as Your hopeful and hope-filled ambassador in the world. I say 'yes' to the living worthy of this calling, and of this gift. Amen. 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done', in Jesus' name, Amen!
By Bro. McNeal Brockington