Peace Part 1

From January 16, 2022

Do we need a search party…

”…Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” Luke 12:19

People want life to be easy and comfortable. Advertisers have cashed in, selling an easier way from a more comfy chair or bed. Today, we work hard just to retire, rush home to rest and our weekends have become one party to the next, over “sabbath” - and we pay for it in more ways than one. To a degree, we’re all guilty, but in our defense, who wants a hard life? Wouldn’t we all rather be comfortable, than not? But if our focus is on easy, comfort or another party, we’re not on the right path. Easy street is a dead end - the road to peace is life.

”…Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 One of the most difficult jobs for the Holy Spirit to do is transform us. In order to change we must go through struggle and discomfort - two things we do not like. This is because at our core, we seek pleasure and avoid pain. But neither of these ensure peace, which is the right goal.

…Or do we search for peace?

”For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” Romans 5:10

If we are at peace with God - in His camp, and He in our corner, how bad could life really be? So, no matter how hard or uncomfortable the situation is, God is for us. Is there anything more important for us to know, or more valuable for us to have than the peace of God? Without God’s peace we could gain the world and be unhappy. With God’s peace we could have little and be content.

”Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

To have peace with God we must confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior and then regularly (as needed) repent of the sins we commit after our salvation. If you do not know God then you cannot know peace. Also, if we know Jesus, but do not maintain a clean heart before Him, we will not be at peace with God - it’s an ongoing process. Some think perfection brings peace - it does not. Our direction, not perfection brings lasting peace.

”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9