“But the fruit of the Spirit is…peace.” ~Gal. 5:22
Brothers,
Three months, Steve
Jobs died. He left a thriving company, millions of shares of stocks, and a name
that had gained fame across the country. Even with being one of the most
successful businessmen in the world, even with having a mansion, an expensive
vehicle, and all the latest technology, he still died a poor man who lacked
inner peace. Unbelievers can never know
spiritual peace. But as believers, our
lives should be marked by spirits that quietly rest in the Lord. One thing I’ve come to realize over the past
few years is how much a deficiency in peace can affect one’s spiritual growth
as a whole. For example, you cannot be joyful if you are not first content. You
cannot be truly loving if there is turmoil going on inside. You will not be
self-controlled in your speech if you do not first have a desire for peace. Peace
as used in this passage means “quietness, rest, or harmony.”It sounds plain and
simple, but is it really that easy? Ask yourself how many times you have truly
sought unity or harmony during a fight with a sibling. Before you start
congratulating yourself, however, count up how many times you haven’t sought
peace during a fight. But does peace just mean stop fighting? The answer is no.
True, when we stop fighting with others we help create an atmosphere where
peace can thrive, but that is not the full essence of peace. These past few
years there have been times when I’ve been melancholy and depressed because
I’ve thought of things that are depressing or because I’ve been discontent
about not having a certain item, or about how long I have to wait for
something, or even about getting a smaller or less appealing portion of a plate
of food. No matter what it was, all these things resulted in a turmoil and a
disturbance of the mind and heart that led to a lack of patience, a lack of
self-control, a lack of joy, and a lack of love. Peace is not just a turning of
the other cheek. Peace is the result of trusting the Lord to provide everything
in His timing and of seeking to bring Him glory in every situation. Of course,
this will result in turning the other cheek, but this act of suffering for
Christ is merely the evidence that peace exists in your heart. So as always, what is the practical application?
Well, as I implied earlier, it is almost impossible for peace to exist in a
place where there are arguments and contentions. So first, stop bickering!
Second, as is always my advice, read and apply the Word. When your heart is
buried in the Word, it is impossible for the fears of the world and the worries
that so often leave one discontent to penetrate your heart. Third, make a
conscious effort every day to thank the Lord for all the multitude of blessings
He has bestowed on you. A heart overflowing with thankfulness leaves no room
for bitterness. Lastly, pray. One of the best ways to be at rest and to be
quiet is to be alone praying, for a conversation with the God of heaven and
earth is like rain to parched ground: it revives the soul when it is weighed
down with cares and it renews the spirit when it is laden with worries. So
peace be with you this week and may the God of peace strengthen you!
Your brother in Christ,
Corey
