Peace.

Within any organization (church or business), there are leaders that are PEACEKEEPERS, and there are those who are PEACEMAKERS. According to Drs. James Waldroop and Timothy Butler, the following is one of the best definitions I have ever found of a peacekeeper:

A peacekeeper is someone who is determined to avoid conflict at any cost.

He or she demonstrates their fear of conflict in one of the following two ways:

He or she either fears conflict with ’subordinates’ because it might be seen as an abuse of authority and result in the end of the positive relationship. A peacekeeper is also someone who fears conflict with a ’superior’ because it might be interpreted as an attempt to usurp power and result in deterioration or termination of the relationship.

The peacekeeper believes that this aversion to battle is a form of self-protection and preserves the orderly functioning of the organization he or she is in. But (unfortunately) that perception is wildly off base.

The above definition reminds me of this quote I used to hear often growing up:

“You can’t cook without heat.”

As leaders, it is important to remember that God never created us to be peacekeepers, but rather peacemakers. It is not the absence of conflict that makes us who we are, but rather the presence of it that helps shape us into becoming the kind of leaders God desires for us to be.

I’ve always found it interesting that it Mark 4:36-41, Christ rebuked and calmed the winds that were rocking the boat He and his disciples were in by actually calling the winds by their name: PEACE.

He did not say, “Storm, be still.”
Nor did he say, “Wind, be still”

But rather he said, “Peace, be still.”

Nothing can destroy the very life of an organization or team than for its leaders to be afraid of conflict. Tough decisions do not disappear. When avoided, they often reappear with friends. I challenge you to lean hard into becoming a peacemaker. Make the commitment today as a leader to do what IS right and not what FEELS right. While indeed uncomfortable at times, the end result is a blessing that has no equal:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Related posts:

1. Trading Shoes.
2. Without Faith.
3. Difficult Decision.
4. The ‘We’re Just Talking’ Checklist.
5. Classic Conditioning.

Category: Life & Faith