Leaders bring peace into chaos. Leaders fight for reconciliation in broken relationships. They work diligently to build unified teams that pursue a clear vision. Leaders offer plans that best utilize the resources available to fulfill the mission. A disciple-making ministry that is lacking in peace will fail to glorify God or follow His purposes.
On a May 2015 study trip to Israel, I heard the word shalom continually. It is easy to use when one is rusty on his or her Hebrew. Want to say “hello?” Shalom. Want to say “goodbye?” Shalom. Want to say ” Excuse me, but your camel just rudely beltched in my face and it smells like rotten Falafel?” Best to just say “Shalom, my friend with the AR15.”
Shalom is a rich Hebrew word, however, that is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. Dr. Ken Hemphill notes, “There is a considerable difference between peace and a truce. It is glorious good news that Jehovah is peace….The idea behind the word shalom is wholeness and harmony in relationship with God. Peace is the deepest desire and need of the human heart. ” (The Names of God)
Shalom (Peace) is not a feeling, but a state of one’s heart. Peace is a gift from God. The Apostle Paul proclaims, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 4:13-14) We have peace when we walk with Jesus. Peace is the fruit of our relationship with Him. “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Leaders have daily opportunities to offer shalom. For example:
1. Shalom comes when we speak words of comfort to those who are hurting.
2. Shalom is possible when we confront those are hurting others (balancing truth with love).
3. Shalom is found in prayerful dependence on God.
4. Shalom in in the midst of meditating on the Word of God and applying the principles therein.
5. Ultimately, we extend shalom to others as we follow the Lord Jesus and lead others to do the same.
One last thought on shalom: The Church consists of people that have been changed by the shalom of Christ. The world has come to define Christianity by the things we are against. The way we respond to others should reflect the shalom of Christ and not the chaos of prejudice, elitism, or hypocrisy. Beginning with disciple making leaders, the Church must become known for what we are “for.” We are for Christ and the Gospel. We are for life-changing shalom and eternal hope. We are for comforting the hurting, the oppressed, and the “least of these.” We are for growing in faith and walking in the Spirit daily. We are for investing deeply in the lives of others, so that they would become disciples of Jesus that makes disciples of others.
May you experience the shalom of Jesus today and share peace with everyone you meet today.
Shepherding Well 