Proverbs 29:8... Who Do You Look Like?

    ⁸ Mockers stir up a city, 
       but the wise turn away anger.

-Proverbs 29:8

As a child, whenever my parents introduced me to their friends, a weird ritual would take place...  My new adult acquaintance would study my face and say to my parents, “He looks just like you.”  My mother and father (faking surprise or maybe they really forgot someone else said the same thing 3 hours before) would ask, “You think so?”  At that point more study took place and the curious adult would ascribe each of my facial features to one of my parents.

Displaying God's DNA

While that ritual seemed odd as a child, I have come to learn that this practice is somewhat universal.  In fact, parents seem to find it complimentary!  There’s a special kind of pride a mom or dad feels upon hearing people say, “That baby looks just like you!”  Proverbs 29:8 prompted me to realize that 'God the Father' feels the same way about us.  

The Lord wants people to see us and say things like…

“That’s a child of God!”

“Did you see how well she remained calm in the heated conversation?  She must be a Christian!”

“Did you see what he did for that stranger in need?  He has a heart just like his Heavenly Father!”

(See Matthew 5:43-48 and Ephesians 5:1-6)

What Do You Want to Be Called?

 Proverbs 29:8 identifies an opportunity we encounter daily to reflect our Heavenly Father’s wisdom and love.  The scripture says, “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.”  Whereas mockers relish the chance to fan the flames of confusion, the wise (i.e. Children of God) desire to create peace. 

Jesus said, “⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  (See Matthew 5:9)

Our neighborhoods, workplaces and churches are full of troubled people.  Think about the number of folks encountering marital strife, financial woes and work related stress?  These situations all represent opportunities to labor as “peacemakers.”

Being a Peacemaker 

Here are a few ways to serve as a peacemaker….

• Model God’s Peace…  When we became Christians, God did not make us immune to life’s challenges.  We still encounter tough situations.  These situations are opportunities to display God’s peace in our lives.  Trials allow us to show our confidence in God’s ability to transform tough circumstances into beneficial outcomes.  (See John 16:33, James 1:2-4 and Romans 8:28)

• Speak God’s Peace…  We encounter people that are frustrated by something daily.  Use these instances to share a comforting word, thought or scripture.  Today a co-worker told me that a loved one was in a difficult situation.  I asked the person’s name and shared that I’d remember the person in my prayers.  My act affirmed the power of prayer.  Allow people to experience God’s presence and peace through your encouraging words and actions.  Your peace filled words could reap immeasurable results in the life of your listener.   (See Acts 3:1-10)

• Introduce God’s Peace…  Pray for an opportunity to introduce people to Christ.  Many of us have no problem introducing people to talk show gurus, new restaurants or great books but we falter at the thought of introducing them to “Christ as The Answer.”  There's no one in your social network worth meeting more than Jesus!!!  This is an intro your friends will literally be ETERNALLY thankful you made!  (See Matthew 5:14-15 and Mark 8:34-38)

I Want People to See More of God’s Features in Me!