I debated with myself about whether I should use peaceful or peaceable in the title. I feel that there is a small nuance of difference in meaning and peaceable is better for describing the essential nature of followers of Jesus Christ. Of course, I wouldn’t have this trouble if I were writing in French, which only has one word, paisible, from which both English words are derived.

Peaceable is defined as inclined toward peace, avoiding conflict. A peaceable Christian can live in a world that is hostile to his faith without being stressed about changing that world. That is not his responsibility. The Christian’s responsibility is to live a quiet and peaceable life in the midst of the surrounding chaos, knowing that the causes of the chaos are complex and beyond his capacity to change.

Three New Testament writers give good counsel on leading peaceable lives. Most of our Bibles say the epistle to the Hebrews was written by Paul. That attribution is not part of the text of the Bible, but was added by the Roman Catholic church. Perhaps he did, but it doesn’t seem very likely. Some say the writer was Apollos, but that seems less likely. Maybe Silas? There were many other gifted church leaders at that time, not all of whom are known to us today. If it were important for us to know, there would be undisputed evidence in the Bible.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) (This should not be interpreted to mean that we can only lead a quiet and peaceable life if the rulers do things the way we want.)

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17-18)

I would not care to quote H. L. Mencken’s views on religion, but a couple of his thoughts on politics seem worthy of consideration here:
“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.”
“Explanations exist; they have existed for all time; there is always a well-known solution to every human problem—neat, plausible, and wrong.”

Saul of Tarsus knew that this new sect called Christians was an imminent threat to all that he held dear, and he knew just what God wanted him to do about it. Until that day on the road to Damascus when he came to the blinding realization that all that he thought he knew was wrong.

I am just as capable as Saul of Tarsus of reading the signs of the times, drawing the wrong conclusions and believing I know what God wants me to do. The question that Saul asked as he sat on that dusty road is a model for me and anyone else who trusts too much in his own judgement: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

That is the right question, asked of the right person, and if I listen, will bring the right answer. Part of that answer is to forget about changing the world, concentrate on changing my life to conform to the will of my Saviour and Lord. That is the place to begin in making this world a better place.