But The Fruit Of The Spirit Is... Peace

Peace... I'm such a mom. The first thing that pops into my mind as I think about the word peace is, "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart... Where? Down in my heart, where? Down in my heart!" Maybe it's because this is Leilani's song of choice at the moment, or maybe it's just so ingrained in my mind from when I was young. Either way, it's easy to sing, but when you think about it, really hard to understand! Perhaps that's why it's a peace that passes understanding?

I don't know that I've ever really taken the time to think about peace. Of course it's something that I am always longing for... Peace and quiet, peace in relationships, peace in the world so that I don't have to be terrified of raising children in it... Peace, peace, peace. But, seriously, what is peace?

The word peace used in our text in Galatians comes from the Greek word eirene and has multiple definitions that I will list out for you.

1. a state of national tranquility

a. exemption from the rage and havoc of war

2. Peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord

3. security, safety, prosperity, felicity (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)

4. of the Messiah's peace 

a. the way that leads to peace (salvation)

5. of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with it's earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is

6. the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

I believe that the definition most applicable to this portion of scripture would be #5, since we are talking specifically about a Christians character as opposed to national unease or relational wars. Let me restate the definition again, because I think it sums it up perfectly. Peace is the tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with it's earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. To me, this sounds like contentment! So, does contentment aid in our ability to exude peace?

Hmm... well, in order to answer my previous question, what is contentment? Contentment is satisfaction and ease of mind. It is being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are. To be content is to assent to or will to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc. I don't know about you, but I definitely find it hard to be at peace when I am discontent about something. 

In this culture of "self entitlement" that we live in, we are quick to think that we are owed something, or that life isn't fair if we don't have as many material "things" as the next person. If you start thinking about being discontent with one thing, a whole list of things will quickly compile... "If I only had more money..." or "If only my husband were as romantic as her husband..." or "If only my house were located in this very specific location and was at least this big..." or "If only my kids were as well behaved as their kids..." or "If only I looked as good in my skinny jeans as her..." 

How can anyone be at peace when there is a war raging within themselves? Easy... They can't! In 1 Timothy 6, Paul is writing to Timothy regarding false teachers who were of corrupt minds, who were of the mindset that gain is godliness, basically, the more you have materially, the more God likes you because if God didn't "like" you then you wouldn't have all of these "things." This couldn't be further from the truth! Paul warned Timothy that from people like this, withdraw yourself! Paul then goes on to say, 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, oh man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness..." 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Nothing like a heavenly mindset to wake us up! Not a single day of our life is guaranteed. Not a single material thing we come to possess on this earth has eternal value. Why do we allow our peace and contentment to be robbed from us over such temporary insignificancies? (I might add though, that if you are blessed financially or materially, this is not a sin! Be thankful and give God praise for what you have and honor Him with what He has given!)

If we are to show forth the peace of God's Spirit in our lives, then we need to take every thought captive. We need to redirect our focus. When everyone and everything around us is so unsatisfied and materialistic we need to remind ourselves, yet again, who we belong to and where our true home is. We need to cultivate hearts of thankfulness for the many, many things that we do have and take for granted on a daily basis: a roof over our head, wherever that may be, food for at least 3 meals per day with some left over, clothing to cover ourselves, brand name or not, and even fresh water to drink. These are all delicacies that someone else may be wishing "If only I had..." 

As you bring forth peace in your life, you will become a peacemaker, seeking to reconcile the brokenness around you. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 The more you can be content in whatever state you are in, with whatever you may have, the more your mind and soul will be able to rest, and truly feel peace. 

Here are a couple more scriptures to read and ponder in regards to the peace that comes from God.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

James 3:18 "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

And finally, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

But The Fruit Of The Spirit Is... Joy

I have felt it placed upon my heart to do a little mini devotional series that goes through the fruits of the Spirit. Since the entirety of all of the fruits can be summed up in the first one listed, which is love, I want to save that one for last. Today I want to start by looking at what it means to have joy.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

What is joy? For some, it is that feeling of elation that you feel Christmas morning as you gather around a tree full of gifts. For some, it is found in the new life of a child. To others, joy is simply being able to pay the bills for another month. Joy may be found in a sunny day or spending time with the ones you love. These are all so temporary though! What happens when the gifts have all been opened, the baby grows to be a toddler, or better yet, a teenager, or the sun turns to rain? As a characteristic that we are to exhibit on a regular basis, no matter what our circumstances, what is joy? 

According to the dictionary, joy is an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. One of the synonyms listed for joy is literally warm fuzzies. Just the thought of that brings a smile to my face. Who doesn't like the warm fuzzies?! (For anyone who may not know what the warm fuzzies are, they are a real thing! They are described as feelings of happiness, contentment, or sentimentality.)

In the original Greek text that this verse was written in, the word joy simply means gladness. This joy is the same joy that is referenced when the wise men saw the star in the sky announcing the birth of our great King, Jesus. This is also the same joy that all of heaven feels at the salvation of a single soul. 

Based on the definitions of joy, it appears that joy is a result of something good happening to us, but joy is listed as a "fruit" that we are to always exhibit, not only when we are feeling good, but also in times of difficulty or trial. In James 1:2 we are told to "Count it all joy when you fall into divers (various sorts of) temptations..." How can one do that? Temptations or hardship or struggles are not what I think of as a source of joy. 

There is one way to have and maintain this Biblical joy at all times. That is to know who you are and who you belong to. As a Christian, we are children of the Most High God, children of the King of Kings. Our joy is only found and maintained when we are in fellowship with our Abba, Father. Our biggest blessing that no one and nothing can steal away from us is the gift of our salvation and through that salvation, full time access to the Father. If we are to bear much fruit, the fruits of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, then we need to know the Spirit we seek to mimic. How do we get to know that Spirit? In the same way we get to know anyone else. By spending time with Him. By conversing with Him. By trusting Him. By reading His word. By being in constant fellowship with Him. The fact that we have this salvation and this access to God is enough to have joy  for the rest of our days!

1 John 1:1-4 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you, that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 

Our joy is also maintained by cultivating a heart of constant worship. You cannot help but have the joy of the Lord when your heart is focused on Him more than any other temporary circumstance that may be occurring in your life.

Luke 24:52-53 "And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

If you feel like you are lacking joy today, and you know who you belong to, start worshiping! Start praising God! Although at times it may not seem like it, the current struggles of this world that may be dragging you down and robbing you of your joy are temporary. Don't allow the enemy to use temporary afflictions to rob you of eternal joys. Thank God that He is using those "afflictions" to build you up into a stronger, more joyful person than you have ever been before. Don't miss God in the bad times. Look to Him! 

I have heard joy defined with the acronym "Jesus, Others, You." When you take the focus off of yourself and place it first on Jesus, and second on others, you have no time leftover to dwell on your circumstances. There is joy in serving others. 

Galatians 5:13 "... but by love, serve one another." 

Be a source of joy to others around you. Your joy is contagious. When you know who's you are and where you are headed for all of eternity, you will send out the fruit of joy in your life. It will be second nature. Shine that light of joy! It's contagious for yourself too. The more joyful you are, the more joyful you want to continue to be!