In this morning’s Keynote Address, Dale Pyne, the new CEO of Peacemaker Ministries called peacemakers to be advocates of freedom. Have you ever considered that the world and those in conflict are in slavery and bondage to sin? Whoever sins is a slave to sin. And seeing this bondage should make us desire to be abolitionists.
Using Galatians 5:13-25, Dale explained that the freedom Christians have been called to is threefold: freedom from slavery, freedom for the purpose of love, in order to serve others.
Conflict can enslave us. The opposite of gospel freedom is being enslaved to rivalry, conceit, envy, and pride. Dale explained that “We are free through Christ, from law and sin.” But this is not just a freedom to live however we desire. “True freedom is not just freedom from the law, but it is for love.” True freedom in Christ means that we are free to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and free to love our neighbor.
Dale pointed us to 1 Corinthians 13 which teaches us that without love for God and others, we are nothing. “Everything – love = nothing.” Dale reminded us that faith works itself through love. Love is an action, a Spirit filled fruit, and it takes place in relationships. Because of God’s grace there is a better way to respond to conflict: in love, bearing with one another in patience, and in humility.
Dale encouraged us to be on our guard against idolatry. He shared with us how deceitful and enslaving sin is. Years ago, God was gracious to remind him to steer away from rivalry and idolatry when he was jealous of a new conciliator in town. God has also taught him not to make an idol out of a successful mediation, which puts experiences above God.
“Good desires make bad idols.” – Dale Pyne
I’ve heard one brother explain it to me this way: idols are slave masters, masquerading as abolitionists. As Peacemakers, let us point those in conflict to the great abolitionist, Jesus Christ. Christ died and rose again so that we may be freed from the penalty and power of sin. And one day we will be freed from the presence of sin completely. It is for freedom that he has set us free. Let us go forth and serve our risen Savior. Thanks be to God.
<Missed the 2013 Peacemaker Conference? Get summaries of the 2013 Peacemaker Conference Speakers here!>
