Should Christians Wear Peace Signs?

The Peace sign once again has gained popularity over the past couple of years.  The symbol still has relevance to its meaning by many, but also seen as a fashion piece by many of its adorners.  The question has been asked in the past, and we are confronted with this often at the festivals, should we as Christians wear a symbol that has such a controversial meaning?  Well, here are my views on the subject for what its worth.  Yes, the peace sign has been called the Nero’s cross, symbolizing an upside down broken cross.  Nero was a persecutor of Christians from 54 A.D. to 68 A.D.   In 1958, Gerald Holtom designed the peace sign for the first Aldermaston march against nuclear war and nuclear disarmament.   It later became a symbol known worldwide for peace.  So, what does the peace sign mean to you?  A sign of hate and death , or life and peace?

The Bible has called us as followers of Jesus to live in peace.  Matthew 5:9 says “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.”    1 Peter 3:11 says “He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”  How do we pursue peace?  Colossians 3:15 says “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”   James 3:17-18 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.  Seek and ask for wisdom and let Christ be the rule of your life.  We are to live in peace with each other but that doesn’t mean we compromise our beliefs.  In Matthew 10:34, Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”  The sword  is the Word of God.  We are to live by truth, the Word of God.  In Revelation 6:4, it talks about the second seal opening and a rider on a red horse given power to take peace from the earth and make men slay each other.  To him was given a large sword.  When wisdom from heaven is not sought after like that of James 3:17-18 the results will be devastating, Revelation 6:4.  When we as a nation and world stop pursuing truth and God’s wisdom we will see peace diminish  from our planet.  Jesus preached peac e, (Ephesians 2:17) but didn’t come to bring peace (Matthew 10:34).  We have been given the instructions by the instructor now we must carry them out. 

We have been instructed to live in Peace, so to wear a symbol that is recognized for peace, I see no problem.   The intent when designed in 1958 was for a world to live free from the potential of a nuclear war and live in peace.  For those of us living in the 20^th century, seeing a peace sign signifies a sign for peace and not war.  If Nero did use this sign as a defamation of the cross and Christianity in the early years shame on him.  As Christians we are not followers of hate and evil practices but should pursue peace.  Wearing a peace sign with the intention and meaning that you promote and stand for peace like Gerald Holtom’s intent, I see nothing wrong wearing that symbol.  If you wear the peace sign as a tribute to Nero’s meaning of an upside down broken cross, then it takes on a whole new meaning.    But to really experience peace in one’s own life, you need more than a symbolic reminder.  You need to have the “Prince of Peace” at the center of your life.  To have the “Prince of Peace” on the throne of your heart front and center in your life will bring you true peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Peace out,

Mike