by Leanne Purvis
Jesus is the missing piece peace
Peace is something we all desire. We desire peace in our lives personally, and also in our relationships, communities, churches, and even governments.
This desire for peace is captured satirically in the 2000 movie Miss Congeniality, where Sandra Bullock as a beauty pageant contestant receives applause only after mentioning the desire for world peace, just like all her competitors. There are organisations like the United Nations that aspire to keeping this world peace.
Yet it seems peace with others is synonymous with tolerance in today’s culture. This tolerance however seems to be extended mostly to those who share the same views and beliefs. Tolerance seems to be a veneer, where Christians are rejected along with their monotheistic faith. Christianity is the piece required for peace, communicated by humankind’s creator in the Bible
Peace ultimately is found in Jesus Christ, as heralded by the angels (Luke 2:14). Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 6:6), and came to give us peace, as explained in John 24:27, “May peace be with you; my peace I give to you: I give it not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled; let it be without fear.”
Now that’s the kind of peace that is real and desirable. To have peace without fear. Our quest for peace can be met only in Jesus. Tangibly this means spending time with Him, knowing Him, trusting Him, and obeying Him. This involves reading and applying His word, communicating with Him and sharing testimonies with those who know Him. I’ve learnt I need to keep my eyes on Jesus, seeking to see everything through His eyes, with full trust and dependence in His ways.
Instinctively my inner peace barometer gauges peace on financial and personal security, relationships, and feelings. How many people liked my Facebook post? Did anyone ask how I am today? Do I have a place to sleep and get food and water for the day and rest of the week? How many worries do I have? All of these are really a question of dependency. I can spend so much time being independent, yet I am created to be dependent on God.
So true peace is not a lack of concerns or trouble. Most people can be at peace in that state. This kind of state is impossible as life just isn’t like that. Rather, true peace comes from Jesus, He gives peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). It is not the absence of trouble or suffering, but rather trusting God despite whatever the storm or circumstance. It is dependence on Him in all circumstances.
Ironically as Christianity is being labelled as an intolerant religion, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Mat 6:9). To be a living testimony, displaying and giving peace, dependence on God, in prayer about everything is necessary. It also involves acceptance of others, through repentance, love, and forgiveness.
So, if we do not have peace, we need to look to Jesus. Jesus is the missing piece for peace.
Leanne and her husband are currently attending Bible and culture school in Tasmania in preparation for serving as long term missionaries in Cambodia. Their goal is to encourage the local churches, support the local pastors, assist with discipleship snd church planting, particularly in areas that have not had an opportunity to hear the freeing good news of Jesus sacrifice to restore us to life with the Father. For more details please see their website www.reachingcambodia.info.
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