I’ve been a peacekeeper my whole life – or at least try to be. That’s different than being a peacemaker. Peacekeepers avoid conflict; peacemakers understand that sometimes only conflict or confrontation brings resolution.
Being a peacekeeper causes me to shy away from people who have differing opinions, political views or religious views than me. I avoid confrontation. I won’t read books that may refute what I believe. Being a peacekeeper has caused me to be narrow minded, truthfully. I’m working on overcoming that.
Writing this blog puts my beliefs and opinions out in the open. Unlike a live conversation, I can’t sugar coat my views so that everyone may perceive my opinions to align with their own. As much as I want to be, it’s a little more difficult to be a peacekeeper on these “pages.”
Christ, our example in all things, wasn’t always a peacekeeper. He cleared the temple of merchants who had turned the house of God into a den of thieves and challenged the Pharisees (and popular opinion) on many occasions. He didn’t tell people what they wanted to hear but rather what they needed to hear (i.e., the rich young ruler).
As a blogger, leader and Christian, I won’t always be popular. My Biblical views often don’t agree with society’s views on issues. But I have to be true to Christ first and myself second while at the same time being understanding and loving toward those whose opinions differ from mine.
Michael Hyatt points out that as a leader (and, I might add, a blogger) we will always have critics. His post on how to differentiate and deal with friends, critics and trolls was helpful to me. Perhaps it will help you today, too.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT): Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
Proverbs 28:23 (NLT): In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
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