Good morning,
One
of the benefits of being a part of God’s eternal family is the offer
Jesus made to give us his, out of this world, peace.(John 14: 27) I
think that for most of us peace is an occasional state of mind that
happens when the kids finally quieted down or the bills are finally paid
or the phone stops ringing so we can get on with our life. For those of
us who have leadership responsibility that relates to the family at
home or the family in the church, we are all quite aware of the
challenges that come when we try to work together with others, who for
some strange reason can’t seem to think like we do. When we think of
peace under these conditions, we usually have to include the word “hope”
as a part of what is often badly missing in our relationships. When
Jesus was offering this wonderful gift to his disciples he added phrases
like, “So don’t be troubled” and “But take heart” which clearly tells
us that his peace is not an automatic gift, but something that requires
our involvement in some way.
While for most of us, peace is the
result of the circumstances around us being positive. I think that Paul
had a much better grasp on the idea of peace when he wrote to the holy
people in Colosse, “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your
hearts.” As I was thinking about this verse it suddenly dawned on me
that the inner peace that Jesus offers us isn’t a part of a calm and
happy environment. The peace that our Lord longs for us to live by is a
peace that fills our hearts because our hearts are under the rule of
our Savior. If I am fighting with my Savior or my family or my friend
or coworkers, the love that comes from the Holy Spirit will be missing.
I may still have the right ideas about how things should be done, but
when there is no peace in my heart, my flesh or the world or the Devil
have stolen this wonderful gift and have replaced it with anger,
frustration and unthankfulness. It is easy to forget that God has
planted us where we are now for eternal purposes, and none of those
around us have been able to break into God’s good plan and challenge us
without his permission. Lord, will you help us to see the importance of
peace as a thermometer of the health of our relationship with you and
with those around us.
Colossians 3:15 And let the
peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one
body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Roy Wisner
