I really want you to read this morning's essay, but I'm not going to climb up your office building to show it to you.  That fact distinguishes me from Alain Robert and Renaldo Clarke, the men who climbed the New York Times Building in Times Square yesterday.

This morning, the Times reports that the two men, each climbing without ropes or harnesses, performed their stunt to make a statement.  Mr. Robert, a veteran French stuntman, unfurled a banner which read, "Global warming kills more people than 9/11 every week."  Mr. Clarke wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of malaria.  Both were arrested.  Mr. Clarke was taken for psychiatric evaluation.  I can predict the verdict.

Fortunately, there is a better way to promote peace.  We're seeking the true happiness only Jesus can give, exploring this week his seventh Beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," (Matthew 5:9).  We've learned that we must be at peace with God if we would be at peace with others and ourselves.  Are you at peace with your Father this morning?  Have you accepted his love?  Are you obeying his word?  Have you received his forgiveness?  Are you trusting his will?

H. G. Wells was right: "If there is no God, nothing matters.  If there is a God, nothing else matters."  He promises you his peace, and tells you how to receive it.  Now, how do we give this peace we receive from God?  How do we become "peacemakers" with others?  With whom do you most need peace today?  Think of that person, and take these biblical steps toward the peace you need.

First, initiate pardon.  Choose not to punish whatever wrong has been done to you.  God's word instructs us, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:18-19).  Later the apostle adds, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (v. 21).  Initiate pardon.  And you will be a peacemaker.

Second, seek reconciliation.  Jesus teaches us, "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24, emphasis mine).  If someone has something against you, whether you believe their anger is justified or not, go to him or her.  Seek reconciliation, and you will be a peacemaker.  We'll conclude this beatitude on Monday.

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