If someone asked you what peace is, how would you define it? Would you say it is a feeling of well being or tranquility? Would you agree with dictionary.com and say that it is the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world (dictionary.reference.com/browse/peace)? Would you base your definition on what the world thinks peace is or what God tells us peace is? The book of Romans, chapter 12 verse 2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” How do we transform our thoughts on peace so that they don’t conform to this world?
According to the New International Bible Dictionary, peace is the presence of God, not the absence of conflict (p.761). Now this is a definition that I agree with! The presence of God provides peace. If we want to have peace in our lives, we must seek God daily. Not just at Sunday or Wednesday night services. God must be an ever present presence if we want to keep peace in our hearts and minds. God sent his son Jesus for that purpose. He did not come to bring peace to the world as Matthew chapter 10 verse 34 reminds us. He came to bring peace to those who believe in Him and what He did.
Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and minds, regardless of the state of our world. In the book of John, chapter 16, verse 33 Christ tells us, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What “things” is Christ referring to? He is talking about how the world will try to lead us astray and how the world won’t believe in Him and his sacrifice. He is talking about how we can overcome the world through Him and also make our eternal homes with God.
In that same book of John, in chapter 14, verse 27, Christ says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” If Christ does not give as the world gives, then we should not take as the world takes. Don’t take the worlds definition of peace into your hearts but instead be transformed by the peace that Jesus left us. Dictionary.com would have a better definition if they said peace is the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world once those individuals have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ!
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