Mothers As Peace Seekers

Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo   

Seekers of peace are builders of nations. They rise in time of war and do not consider their lives for the salvation of their nations.
 “Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12: 14 

Felicitation

I felicitate with our mothers of today and tomorrow on this special day. Mother’s Day is celebrated today throughout the Nigerian Baptist Convention to honour and celebrate our mothers. Not only the living mothers are celebrated today but good and responsible mothers who had passed on to glory are remembered on a day like this. Once again I celebrate you all and pray that the Lord grant you wisdom of God to remain virtuous and dedicated mothers in Jesus name.

‘Mothers as Peace Seekers’ is our theme for this year. From the text above, your entrance to the kingdom of God is predicated on your efforts to be at peace with all men and pursuit of holiness. You may want to ask, how about the salvation through grace by faith in Jesus Christ? The verse in Hebrew 12:14 does not in any way negates the doctrine of salvation through grace; however, it implies that you can’t be at peace with God without being at peace with all men. If you have reconciled to God, you must not live a life that contradict the profession of your faith.

 Famous through Faith: In chapter 11, we could see the list of heroes and heroine of faith. They demonstrated their true knowledge of God through practical life of peace with all men.  They were hated, persecuted, deprived and ridiculed yet, they did not deny their faith. They became outcasts not because they owned nothing but their possessions were confiscated. In the face of all those provocations, they never fought back. Daniel did not institute a court case against injustice meted on him and the three Hebrews. Stephen didn't curse those who were stoning him, instead he prayed that God should not count it against them.

Charity Begins at Home: Being at peace with all me must begin from our homes. An adage says, “Charity begins at home” Domestic violence is condemned in its entirety. Women should not be seen as slaves or trash that must be treated like unwanted people. Those who maltreat, beat, humiliate or torment their wives are considered as void of knowledge in the Bible. Follow peace with all women and holiness, without which no man will get to heaven. There are women too who torment their husbands. They nag, abuse, disrespect bullying and even beat their husbands. Women who are subjecting their husbands to disrepute, violence and torment will face the same judgement as men who are violent against their wives. Make all efforts to be at peace with all men including your husband and holiness without which you won't be able to enter heaven. Romans 12:18 says. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." In other words, the onus is on you to be at peace with all men. You are to seek peace with all men as a matter of responsibility. Rom 12:18 another version of the Bible says,  "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people." (NET) Proverbs 21:19 Seekers of peace are builders of nations. They rise in time of war and do not consider their lives for the salvation of their nations.  

I wonder how can you say you are worshiping God of peace and you are not at peace with fellow brothers and sisters in the Church. You can’t continue like that thinking you will see God. 2 Tim 2:14, 23; Titus 3:9; Jas 4:1-2; Proverbs 20:3 says, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Euodia and Syntyche are chiefly remembered as two people who had an argument, and their names are most commonly associated with disagreement. Have you ever wondered how your name will be remembered when you’re gone? “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life” Philippians 4:2-3.

Conclusion: Do not be a nagging or bullying woman. There are women who even beat their husbands. Christian homes should be a peaceable habitation where husband will be craving to be. If your character is hurting, everything piss of your spouse. As you humbly and wisely submit yourself to your husband, may the peace of God rule your home in Jesus name