Monday, August 9, 2010

Monday's Meditation: How Can I Walk in Peace?

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.

On the night before he was betrayed, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” When the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples he began with the simple greeting, “Peace be with you.” In the Apostle Paul’s definition of the Kingdom of God peace is one third of the equation. Peace is a part of every greeting Paul gave. Peace is evidence of the Spirit’s maturing work in our lives. Peace is promised to guard our hearts and minds. Peace is the birthright of every child of God. And yet . . .

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.