we should remember that we are messengers of Jesus’ gospel of peace

not of “the Mennonite peace position.” From an editorial by Paul Schrag in Mennonite Weekly in which he discussed a speech by Richard Kauffman on “Communicating the Message of Peace to Skeptical Audiences”:

Jesus desires all his followers to live peaceably, but many have failed to accept this essential part of his message.

At the same time, peace advocates must be clear that they do not claim to know how to solve all the world’s problems quickly. Christian peacemaking “is not about the most expeditious way of dealing with violence in the short term,” Kauffman said. “Part of being a Christian is saying we don’t take short cuts. Jesus’ way of peace isn’t the shortest way.”

Sometimes an effective way to stop violence, at least for a time, is to answer it in kind. We should admit that. But, eventually, violence breeds more of the same. Problems either aren’t solved, or they are traded for a new set of problems. We see this in Iraq: The invasion ousted Saddam Hussein but produced increasing terrorism against Iraqis and Americans.

That’s the practical argument, and we should make it. But it’s not the most important one. Fundamentally, we don’t advocate peace because it works but because it is a response of faith, an unavoidable consequence of a decision to give our lives to Jesus completely. When faced with a choice between doing what “works” and being true to Christ, we hope and pray we will choose to act faithfully.

Now the problem in Iraq is that the United States can't quickly disentangle itself without making things worse. How can the coalition forces leave without dumping Iraq into a bloody civil war and partition?

Father, let me dedicate All this year to you
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)