Stop The Peace War Now
I was driving through the fair city of Colorado Springs yesterday, when I saw what I would later understand to be an anti-war rally. Rally is a strong word: there were three people on the street corner. The first sign I saw was being held up high by a young man. Across the top of the sign it said in big, block letters, “STOP THE.” Then there was a giant peace symbol. As I sat at the intersection I reflected for a quick moment on the bizarre message, “Stop the Peace.” Then the young man moved his hands and I could see more block letters at the bottom of the sign: “WAR NOW.” I could now read the sign in one of two ways. First, as “Stop the Peace, War Now,” which has a certain warmongering flair, or, as “Stop the Peace-War Now,” which is an interesting concept; I have never heard of a peace-war before. Finally, of course, I read the sign as this young man intended: “Stop the War Now, Peace.” Is our style of evangelism equally as confusing?
Colorado Springs has an overwhelming military presence. The Air Force Academy is here, as are Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base. There is also Fort Carson, a huge Army base. Given that, this town is typically very supportive of the troops that are deployed all over the world. I wonder if someone standing on a street corner with a peace sign is going to change anyone’s mind; probably not in this town. Would it work in any town? Is there anyone who is so confused about the war that someone holding a sign will sway them one way or the other?
When we tell people about Jesus, are we holding up confusing signs? Do we really expect people to believe in Jesus simply because we are holding a cryptic message?
1 John 1:6-7 — If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
John makes it clear that simply proclaiming Jesus without a lifestyle to match is useless. We must live out what we believe. Stop holding up signs. Put the signs down and go live life with people. Love others. Spend your time, your money, and your energy on them.
May we all embrace the command to, “Go therefore and make disciples…”
Most of the time when i see someone on the street holding a sign i usually take the time to read it. I’m not usually persuaded by the sign but it does however focuse my thoughts on the issue being protested, even if only for a second or two. I don’t think holding a sign is the best way to communicate any message, but it does tell me one thing about that person, what ever is on the sign is important to them important enough to share with others. They hold there sign even if not everyone who reads it agrees. The young man holding his sign appears to live in a very “pro-war” area, even still he holds his sign. This story and the others i see holding signs from should remind me to hold my “Christ is Lord” sign more often,(of course, not an actual sign and not on the street). Thanks for the reminder that i need to be more passionate for Jesus.
You rock, Eric!