John 14:27

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace, what does it mean?  Is it absence of conflict, freedom from war, tranquility, a quiet mind with no anxiety?   How about harmony with your fellow man, freedom from disagreements or resolving those disagreements with another?  Another term for Police Officers is Peace Officers, they are there to enforce the laws and keep people from hurting each other; part of their job is to help resolve conflicts between people and thus give peace, if not to them at least to their neighbors even if only momentarily.  What is peace for one person, may not be peace at all for another.

The other day I saw a statement that says, “Peace comes from within.”  One of Satan’s half-truths and it helps drive the wedge further between people, that believe this, and God.  There is some truth that we must come to grips with what is going on in our lives, but peace only comes from our decision to accept Christ and be submissive to HIM.  Now interestingly enough Christ, who is known throughout the world as synonymous with Peace, (Peace on earth and good will to man) said, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” (Luke 12:51.)  So, obviously the “world” does not understand who Christ is, nor what he means by peace. 

The world’s peace is very temporary, judgmental and often times it relies on compromise that does not necessarily mean everyone is happy.  It can be destroyed in seconds when man decides he can no longer be in agreement with whatever it is he agreed to; it can be with another nation, neighbor, or with his ‘personal’ demons.

When Christians talk of Christ in terms that outline salvation and who He really is, telling the truth of His expectations we can create all kinds of feelings in another person.  Some will grow uncomfortable and try to change the subject, tune us out or just walk away.  Others will get angry and tell us to mind our own business at the least or even go as far as attacking us personally and/or physically.  Christ knew this; He knew that most (the World) will reject Him, His message and His messengers.  Those decisions separate them from God, which doesn’t bring peace.  A few will accept Him and therein lies HIS peace.

It doesn’t mean that we will not have conflict, that we will always be safe or have no anxiety.  It does mean that we can have peace within our soul, knowing we are a child of God.  We have the confidence that we are His and never have to be worried about our final destination.

Yes, peace does come from within, but only AFTER we accept Christ as our Savior, Lord and Master.

~ From the Columbia River Gorgeous