God’s peace is much different than any peace the world can offer us. Just like every gift of God, our peace always starts with Jesus Christ. As Jesus prepared to leave earth he said; “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT) God is the author of peace and He sent this “special peace” to earth in his Son who became our Savior. People that have received this peace have been given a good and prosperous spiritual life that is noticed by the world many times. Some doctors say that this type of peace in a person will actually yield better health for the Christian. This peace will make amazing changes in our attitude. People that need courage can become brave and callous people can become loving. Peace will bring us warmth and a quietness that can allow us to really enjoy living for God. Joel said; And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God that hath dealt wondrously with you. Joel 2:26 (KJV) Jesus is our bread of life and faith in him produces the blessing of peace.
Jesus had the peace of God while he lived on this earth. It gave Him a calmness that impressed everyone. After his long conversion at the last supper, Jesus faced his ordeal and said with great confidence; I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 (NLT) It is obvious that Jesus possessed an unbelievable composure during the final day of his life. This hero seemed to be more concerned about our peace than his own life as he encouraged his followers to receive the peace of God. What a great way to say goodbye to his friends by leaving them in peace until he came back to earth for all his family. He felt such love for lost humans that his peace was actually fulfilled in his death. The Savior knew beforehand that he would prevail over evil and we can also have peace because of the foreknowledge of our victory.
The goal of any Christian is to fulfill God’s bidding for them individually. Many times we will ask “what can I do to please my God?” Hebrews has a prayer for Christians that addresses this; Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood-- may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Heb 13:20-21 (NLT) This is the wonderful thing about working for God. He will give us everything we need at just the right time and we never need to worry. Just like every other godly attribute, the peace of God will be produced in us as we declare our desire to serve the Lord. This heavenly peace begins to develop in us as soon as our mind abandons its worldly goals. Giving up worldly pleasures will leave room for inner tranquility and dignity. As we become established in our Christian life the things that please the Lord will become easy for us.
When a close look is made of salvation, peace, righteousness etc. we can see that they are all woven together as part of eternal life. The important thing is that we focus on our spiritual life before anything else in this world. The Bible says; For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) Goodness in this verse refers to integrity, honesty, decency and so forth. In order for us to please the Father, we must serve Jesus by the Holy Spirit. A life of complete trust yields quietness in our mind. It is impossible to live this life of peace without the help of the Spirit. Paul tells us; live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Tim 2:2-4 (NLT) It is a miracle when Jesus gives us the ability to live a godly life. But remember that someone is always watching a Christian to see if their life is genuinely different.
God made a covenant of peace with humans long ago. This means that there are requirements to be kept on both sides of the agreement. Our first obligation is to abandon our sinful nature and give control of our life to the Spirit. God tells us plainly; Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Romans 8:6,9 (NLT) As we live our new godly life we are the continuation of the mission of peace that was given to Jesus. In Peters sermon he mentioned this mission of peace. Acts 10:36 Of course, Paul said it was specifically for us gentiles; He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles… Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us…You are members of God’s family. Eph 2:17-19 (NLT) In other words we are ambassadors of peace to this earth. How thrilling to know we are members of God’s family. May the Lord grant us the insight and good sense to be his representative.
War is the opposite of peace. Living a righteous life means we will always avoid fighting about anything in this world. There is no need to worry about our life on earth when we are being led by the Spirit. The Bible describes a godly life on earth; But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 (NLT) There is one other thing that yields righteous and peace but we have trouble accepting it sometimes. The scripture says; God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Heb 12:10-11 (NLT) It is a surprise to find the subject of discipline right in the middle of a discussion about living in peace with God. Ironically, peace prevails internally when violence of war peaks externally.
After we have received the peace of God, we will want to reach out to the folks around us. Even when they get on our nerves we will try to give them the Good News. Paul said; Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. Col 3:13-15 (NLT) Love always contributes to peace even though we are salt to the world. Only Christians that are being led by the Spirit can reach others. Paul gave us many practical ways to please the Lord. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work…. Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Tim 2:21-22 (NLT) God is allowing humans to contribute to his plan without being burdened down with a heavy load to carry. Another note, the Jewish peace offering was also called a fellowship offering. It is helpful to find other believers who are led by the Spirit for our companionship with God.
Of Course, the Devil is always attempting to disrupt our peace. One way to defend against the attacks of the devil is to stay busy with the Gospel message. Paul said in Eph. 6:15 that for our shoes we should “put on the peace that comes from the Gospel” of Jesus. The feet are the foundation of the whole body. Can we say that peace is the foundation of our Christian life? What a nice picture of the gentle, kind teachers in their shoes of peace, carrying the Gospel and offering it to the world. That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NLT) When Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection he gave them the blessing of peace twice. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 (NLT)
May God bless you and give you peace as you live with him.
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