Consider the internal combustion engine. The outside of an engine is hot enough to fry food. But the heat on the outside is nothing compared to the heat and hellish conditions on the inside—where violent explosions take place continually, 600—5,000 times every minute. So great is the heat on the inside of an engine that its pistons, camshaft, valves, and pushrods would all seize up in a moment if it were not for one thing—a very durable lubricant—motor oil.
Running Smoothly?
Motor oil can keep the engine running for decades and move the car for more than a million miles. But it’s at a great cost to the oil—for the job of lubricating the moving parts in such a hellish place is terribly degrading—so much so that the oil must be replaced every few thousand miles. But woe to the poor engine that never has its oil changed or whose oil level is allowed to run dry. In short, that engine is doomed.
Furthermore, you know organizations and workplaces must have a lubricant as well. They must have an “oil” that helps them run smoothly. That is to say, that lubricant consists of people who are willing to be peacemakers. Similarly, peacemakers are like that oil in an internal combustion engine. They reduce friction in the workplace, home, and in organizations. Over and over their heroic—but unsung–work prevents disasters.
Certainly, the job of being a peacemaker is certainly a very difficult one—and a thankless one. But without those who are willing to wade through the abuse of those ruled by their own passions, peace would be impossible in the earth.
The Right Tool
And I’ll tell you something else. In addition, you never make an engine run better or more efficiently if you pour something gritty, like sand into it. In conclusion, you’ll destroy the engine. Furthermore, you’ll destroy the functionality of a workplace and organization by putting caustic and abusive people at its helm. Our society is far too enamored with volatile and abrasive personalities. In conclusion, they are the ones who wound others and generate resentment in the workplace.
Above all, God calls us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). He calls us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Our Lord calls us to imitate our heavenly Father (Ephesians 5:1–2), who is gracious and kind to evil and ungrateful people.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. … But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:27–31, 35–36).
PRAYER:
Lord, make us all instruments of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
In article photo: Sailor fixes a paper pin with a lathe aboard USS Frank Cable. by U.S. Navy Page licensed under U.S. Gov Works
