DO YOU DECREASE CONFUSION OR INTENSIFY IT

BARBARA E. PERKINS

DO YOU DECREASE CONFUSION OR INTENSIFY IT?

The word of God in Matthew 5:9 (NKJV) declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  The Amplified Bible’s translation says it this way, “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.”  Almighty God says that we are blessed (with spiritual calm and with life-joy in God’s favor) when we make peace.  The Amplified also says they are makers and maintainers of peace because they (we) are expressing God’s Character—thus sons and daughters of God.  In 1 Corinthians 14:33 the word of God emphatically states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”  So, we know that Almighty God is the Author of peace.  If God is not the author of confusion, then who is?  In John 10:10 Jesus identifies who is the author of confusion.  “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  Jesus said there is a thief who comes to kill, steal and destroy mankind.  Therefore, it is the thief that is causing confusion in the lives of mankind.  Praise God for Jesus Christ Who came to give us life—more abundant life.  If we choose Jesus Christ, we choose life and love.  But, if we choose the thief, we choose confusion, destruction, and death.  The author of confusion is further identified in 1 Peter 5:8, “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  The author of confusion, who is also the thief is the devil and he wants to devour mankind.  So, if we choose to be a party to confusion and if we like to argue or fight (verbally or physically), then we are allowing ourselves to be controlled by devil—the author of confusion.  We become the devil's instruments, as well as his victims.  But, if we allow ourselves to be controlled by the Spirit of God, we become God’s blessed peacemakers, taking on His character as His dear children.  Now, with all the knowledge that we have about God’s word, are we choosing to decrease confusion in our daily lives or intensify it?  Let’s obey God’s word and receive His gentle peace and abundant blessings.  Praise God for His word!

Would you like to be saved and develop a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father?  If you would really like to know God, invite His Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart.  Please pray this prayer:  Dear God, please forgive me of my sins.  I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son.  I believe that He died on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the grave for my salvation.  I confess Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord.  God fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!  If you prayed this prayer and meant it, based on Roman 10:9-10, you are saved.  Welcome into God’s Family!