We read it, we sing it, and we say it. Make me an instrument of your peace. If the popularity of these words proves anything, it is that our desire for peace is strong.
But how do we become that instrument? As amazing as it may sound, we do so when we are living our spiritual beliefs as authentically as we can.
It is like the sail on a boat. It can't move the boat until a wind comes along. The sail cannot produce the wind. It can only hang in readiness for it, catching it when it finally blows.
So too is God's grace. Sometimes the more I try to bring peace, the more I alienate others. But when I let God reign in my heart, when my concern is not how others are living, but how I am, then the spirit of God leads me, and the hand of God guides me. And God makes me the instrument.
The mouth of the just person utters wisdom, and her tongue speaks what is right says psalm 36:30. You will see God using you as an instrument when you let go of trying to be one. It is the strangest phenomenon. When my eyes are fixed on spiritual things, when I have stopped trying to manage life, God steps in and uses me. I don't have to plot and plan my words. They will flow out from me, through the spirit living within. I will be as surprised as any other when I hear some of the words that come out of my mouth. And I will be in awe at how God’s works.
So when you pray, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, know you will be one, in Divine grace, in a life lived wholly for higher things, and in simplicity of heart. Just let the sails of your faith be unfurled, and the spirit of God will catch it and send you forth.
