“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” – Job 22:21
I remember once seeing a bumper sticker that stated, “No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.” Nothing could be more true today than this statement. Not a day goes by that isn’t filled with growing unrest, escalating anger, and rising hopelessness in our world. Even as our nation grapples with governmental chaos and public riots, the citizens cry out for peace!
The Bible tells us in the last days, people will be crying out for peace, but it will not be found. Some will try to bring about peace by negotiating with the discontented or changing the laws, but these attempts will fail. Their methods will bring neither true nor lasting peace. The peace they offer will be merely a small and ineffective bandage on a gaping sinful wound that oozes wickedness and evil. “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14
There is only one true source of peace, and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the security the world seeks. He alone is the balm that brings peace to the soul. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Our responsibility is to show the world the peace of God through our lives. We are not to respond with words of hatred or disgust, but rather we are to offer hope through Christ. We are not to hold ourselves up on a higher plane, but rather to be humble in spirit as we share the true source of peace. We are not to even think evil of those who oppose us, but instead we are to love our enemies. Not only that, we are to pray for them. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44)
Additionally, we must be different than the world. If the world cannot see a difference in us from those who seek to destroy, from those who spew words of hate and discontent, from those who point fingers in judgement, we are no different than them, and those who are lost will see absolutely no reason to come to Jesus. Why? Because in their eyes, they will already be there… they will see themselves just like us. Therefore, we must strive to avoid every appearance of worldly evil in our own lives to show that Christ has made a difference in us. We must be set apart from the world in our words, our actions, but mostly… in our hearts. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
We must share the only real way to true peace with a lost and dying world with a heart of Christian love. Make your social media posts genuinely full of the love of Christ. Let your conversation with others, believers or otherwise, be sweet and honoring to the Lord. Let us be the shining light on the mountaintop that will point others to Jesus. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)
People are craving peace in their souls. We have the answer they seek! Our responsibility is to share it with others any way we can. In doing so, we will reflect the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him and His peace that truly passes all understanding.
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
There is peace in the name of Jesus,
There is peace in the name of Jesus
He alone is the way, you can trust Him today
There is peace in the name of Jesus…
There is life, there is joy, there is peace in the name of Jesus!
(from “Wonderful Peace” by W.D. Cornell & “There is Peace in the Name of Jesus” by Ron Hamilton)
“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.” – John 14:27
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“What peace can they have who are not at peace with God?” – Matthew Henry