BIBLE PASSAGE:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be
of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33)
MEDITATION:
There is an enormous difference when comparing what the world
has to offer, to the promises from the Lord. The world strives to
match what the Lord offers, but it always comes up short. It is
proof positive that the Lord is omnipotent, and the world is not.
For instance the world doesn’t provide peace, because it doesn’t have
peace to give. It fights for peace, it negotiates for peace, it maneuvers
for peace, but there is no ultimate peace in the world. There is a
misconception that if guidelines are eliminated, then everyone will
find peace in doing whatever they choose to do.
The flaw in this thinking is that providing peace for one person
often means infringing on the peace of someone else. The world
doesn’t understand that we need fixed guidelines which are fair
to all people, consistent, and biblical.
Peace is more achievable whenever people alter their lives to stay
within the boundaries established by God, rather than moving His
boundaries to accommodate their sinful lifestyles. Of course that
means that those living outside the boundaries established by God
will have to make changes in order to enjoy the peace He offers.
The world wants Christians to be tolerant of those living in opposition
to God’s commands, so others can enjoy peace in continuing with their
lifestyle. But tolerance implies acceptance, and followers of the Lord
cannot accept the lifestyles of those who oppose Him.
Although Christians disapprove of sinful actions, they can still love and
pray for sinners. How can that happen? Because they acknowledge the
fact that everyone is created by God, that He represents love, and they
make a choice not to hate His handiwork.
Conversely, sinners cannot accept Christians and prefer to eliminate
everything associated with the Lord because it creates guilt and conflicts
with how they want to live. Of course their efforts threaten the peace of
those following the Lord.
The Lord tells us in His Word that there will always be a constant
conflict between worldly and heavenly philosophies and guidelines.
Sinners struggle with finding peace because their will is contrary to
God’s will. The peace of Christians is threatened by the constant
pressure from the world to eliminate God from our society and
destroy all forms of worship.
But the Lord gives peace to those who put their trust in Him. Jesus
knows how to cope with the turmoil in this world and He wants to
share it with His followers. The peace He offers is not a peace of
appeasement; it is also not a peace of compromise, tolerance and
conformity. It is a spiritual peace – something the world cannot
provide.
ACTION:
If you have surrendered your life to the Lord, then you know of
the peace He offers. But if you have refused His offer of salvation,
then you have rejected Him, and everything He represents.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of peace
for me in a world of turmoil. Your promises give me a
cheerful hope that no matter how corrupt the world may
be, You are still in control. Thank You for showing me that
I too can overcome the influences of the world through Your
help and guidance. Remind me that I need to depend on You
rather than trying to overcome anything through my own efforts.”
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