Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)I’m not interested in Romans today, I’m interested in peace with God. Monday’s are for meditation--to suggest a course for the coming week, something to consider for more than a passing moment. And lately I’ve been thinking about peace.
How many believers live in peace? How many of us experience the peace that passes understanding? What portion of the body of Christ is known for peace? Or to ask the question in the negative, why is peace not the sign of a follower of Jesus?
It’s an important question. Some suggest a legal answer--the peace we have with God is positional: since we are reconciled with God through the sacrifice of Jesus, peace is part of our new standing with God. I suppose legal answers serve some purpose--but I see too many Christians who are decidedly not at peace. They are confused or even angry with God, worried about their lives, unable to live at peace in their families and in constant conflict with the affairs of life. These believers are my friends, and I can see they are not at peace.
I’d like to suggest a question capable of changing our lives: “Jesus, you’ve promised peace but my life is not at rest. How can I walk in what you have promised?”
Perhaps some of you know an answer. Many of us are waiting to discover your secret.
Surrender. :)
ReplyDeleteTwo of the churches I've been a part of in my adult life have participated in the "passing of the peace" ritual at every worship service. Although it might appear to some to be little more than a holier way to say hi to each other, it was extremely powerful for me—just as powerful when people I hardly knew looked me in the eye and wished me the peace of Christ as when those I was closest to did. I'm not really going anywhere in particular with this. Your post just made me think about it and miss it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in regards to Christians who are not at peace, I've been there. It's a really uncomfortable and unhappy place to be, but I'd like to suggest that it's a state that can be important, temporarily, if we are to reach a place of truer peace. I guess what I'm saying is that restlessness can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Thanks to both of you for your comments. Kristin, I think the passing of the peace is quite real--Jesus told his disciples, "when you enter a house let your peace rest there." It's ours to give--provided we have it!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's true regarding discontent, if we allow it to drive us to Him.
Peace!
Surrender. :)
ReplyDelete