PEACE

The idea of “peace” has been percolating in my brain for a while now. So, it’s time to get it in print and be “at peace with myself.” I feel like even our country has settled down to a sort of peace. The change in the White House has brought a flurry of activity and changes, but yet I feel more calmness as the New Year progresses.  I hope you do, too. But let’s not forget real peace does not come from the White House.  

The peace in our environment is subject to change. What we carry with us in our being is real and lasting, if its source is Jesus!  A person who enjoys this peace will be:

Pure in heart. Psalm 85:10 says, “Righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). 

Eager to serve others. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to “serve one another in love.” “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Ephesians 6:7a).

Always grateful.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Committed to the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Eternity minded. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).  “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). 

 

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through” (1 Thessalonians 5:23a).