One of the stories in the Bible I find most heartbreaking is this one of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His life did not deserve to end as it did when you take a look at his long history of walking with God. It was an absolute anti-climax. No one who has had such testimonies and track record of faithfulness should end up that way.
If we trace the root of his problem, we will find that it began with a wrongful pursuit of peace. Eventually, it would cost him everything. Some well-meaning, good-natured but unwise types are of the mind that peace must be sought with everybody regardless of the cost.
Where scripture says we should follow peace with all men, it carries a prefix, “As much as it lies with you”. That means, where it depends on you. Be in no doubt that some are so set in their way that what you do, what you are willing to contribute to the peace, will not change much. You will likely wind up with the same disruption as you had at the outset.
How are you to seek and maintain peace with one who won’t make peace with God? By being on the same boat, you are going to pay for outcomes you have no control over.
Also, it is not advisable to accept peace with one who has learnt nothing, or is unwilling to learn anything.
We must understand that initiating or accepting peace usually means re-entry. Have you carefully examined who, and what exactly, you are accommodating in your own peace?
Some are stuck in the same spot because they are incapable of learning. They are incapable of accepting responsibility for their actions. Many do the same things exactly the same way, over and over; behave the same, speak the same, and yet, somehow, expect a different outcome. Moreover, everyone else is the problem, never themselves. I definitely won’t want to share in their outcome.
King Jehoshaphat believed he must relate with Ahab simply because they were related. Ahab was the type that you had to tow along like a broken down automobile. This is literally sharing your oil, which was why the Lord gave the parable of the ten virgins.
Jehoshaphat was the kind of believer that was so willful, not even God could show him the error of his way. He was devout, yes, but he was also obstinate.
You may like someone. You may absolutely love them. But don’t share in their yoke. Don’t bring on yourself what they decided to bring upon themselves.
