Let’s Be Pacific
An Ocean of Peace in a World of Chaos
No. There is no "typo" in the title. I am being very intentional and "specific" about us being "Pacific."
In 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set sail on one of the most daring voyages in maritime history. Commissioned by Spain to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, Magellan's journey took him through treacherous waters, uncharted lands, and mutinous crews. But in November of 1520, after enduring the perilous straits at the southern tip of South America, his battered fleet entered a vast, unknown body of water. The sea, remarkably calm after the chaos behind them, earned its name from Magellan himself: Mar Pacífico — "the peaceful sea."
But here's the paradox — beneath that peaceful surface lies what we now know as the Ring of Fire — a massive horseshoe-shaped zone brimming with volcanoes and seismic activity. It's one of the most volatile regions on Earth. Earthquakes rumble. Volcanoes simmer. Yet we still call it the Pacific. Why?
Because peace is not about the absence of pressure — it's about the presence of calm despite it.
And that's a truth we, as believers, need to carry in a world that trembles beneath our feet.
Magellan had no idea just how massive this ocean truly was. The Pacific Ocean, covering over 59 million square miles, could hold all the world's continents and still have room for your waterslide. But while the sea seemed peaceful to Magellan at the time, it would still test every ounce of their resolve — only 42 of the original crew made it back to Spain.
Friend, we're in similar waters. The world around us is turbulent. Division, conflict, and cultural storms rage like never before. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something different — to be pacific, to live as peacemakers in a warring world. Let's be clear:
Peace is not the absence of conflict. It's the presence of Christ in the conflict.
Psalm 133:1 reminds us,
"How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!"
Harmony isn't just a church picnic where everyone behaves. It's living in unity when opinions differ, tensions run high, and the world says "fight" — but the Spirit says "forgive."
Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 1:10, appealing to believers to "agree with one another... that there be no divisions among you." Why? Because unity isn't a luxury — it's the platform for God's blessing. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul essentially tells the church, "I want to give you more, but you're not mature enough — you're still bickering over petty things." Ouch. Sometimes, our spiritual growth is delayed not because God is holding out but because we're too divided to receive what He wants to give.
And then there's this from Jesus himself in Matthew 5:9:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Not peacekeepers — peacemakers. Not passive. Not avoiders. Makers. Creators. Builders of bridges. Initiators of healing.
So, how do we become those people in real life?
Let me give you two specific, practical ways to be an ambassador of peace:
1. Be the First to Bless
In Numbers 6:22–26, God gives Moses a benediction to speak over the people, which ends with this: "The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." The word countenance refers to God's expression — His face shining with favor and love.
What would happen if we reflected God's expression to others? Try this: when tension flares, bless instead of blast. Speak a word of encouragement. Send a message of grace. Be the first to say "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you" — not because they deserve it, but because you're bearing the image of a God whose face shines with peace.
2. Make Peace a Mission, Not a Mood
Hebrews 12:14 commands: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…" That means peace is a pursuit — not a passive personality trait. So, set a "peace alarm" on your phone every day. When it goes off, ask: Who can I make peace with today? Where can I be a reconciler?
Maybe it's a coworker you've avoided. Maybe it's a friend you've disagreed with online. Maybe it's someone in your own home. Be a peacemaker on purpose.
God is still in the business of calming storms. But sometimes, He chooses to calm us instead. The question isn't just, "Will the seas be peaceful?" but
"Will we be pacific people — carriers of Christ's expression in a world that's lost its way?"
Let's be like Magellan — bold explorers of a deeper ocean. Not one filled with saltwater, but with Spirit-born peace. Let's chart a new course. We should and can live a life that reflects God's shining face.