Words and Peace by Jim Hart

I read a blog this week that asked the question Can Books Counter Terrorism?

It’s definitely food for thought. Is the written word so powerful that it could really counter terrorism? 

It depends on the words.

As Christ followers we believe that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

In the aftermath of the terror attacks in Paris the world is looking for answers and a plan of action to stand against this growing threat. This week there have been many words, written and spoken, with passion, anger, sorrow and a whole range of emotions. I’m reminded of Mark Heard’s song from 1982, Everybody Loves a Holy War and Bruce Cockburn’s 1981 song Justice.  Although both songs are a bit ‘preachy’, and not very subtle, they still, decades later, represent a certain sentiment, that even if not spoken out loud, we still repeat in our hearts.

I read a number of quotes this week that declare Christianity is the enemy of Islam. Violent words about infidels and death. And yet, despite the very real and deadly persecution of Christians at the hands of Muslims, stories abound of Jesus appearing in dreams and visions to Muslims to let them know who He is and how greatly He loves them.

Amazing.

It makes 2 Peter 3:9 so real and so relevant: “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” If this is Christ’s attitude, and since we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), then this should be our position as well. I was also reminded of this verse: "Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. (Ezekiel 18:23 NLT)

As writers who have surrendered life and talent to Jesus, remember that there is power in the words that you write, both non-fiction and fiction. Ask the Lord to guide your words. Maybe your words will, in some way, speak life and love to hearts lost in hatred and fear.

The blog I read a few days ago ended with these words: “Books are great at helping people learn how to improve their lives and to live a more fulfilling life.  We now have to call upon our best authors to dedicate themselves to leading us to peace.  It won’t be easy.  Every president and military general of every land of every era has failed us when it comes to bringing about a lasting peace.” (Can Books Counter Terrorism?)

Let’s end this blog with the only Word that is capable of bringing about a lasting peace:

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. (Colossians 1:6 NLT)