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."
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."
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