Living in the Peace of God: A Call to Be Peacemakers By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." – John 14:27
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Introduction
In the midst of a world filled with turmoil, conflict, and strife, the peace that God offers stands in stark contrast to the fleeting and often illusory peace that the world provides. The call to live in peace with all people is not a call to compromise with sin, but a call to embody the peace that comes from walking in obedience to God's commands. As followers of Christ, we are not called to fight against one another or to be agents of discord but to be peacemakers in a world ravaged by the enemy's schemes. This lesson explores the nature of the peace that comes from God, how we are to live in it, and how it serves as both a shield and a light in a dark and chaotic world.
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The True Source of Peace
God's peace is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary absence of conflict. It is a deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing Him and walking in His will. This peace is available to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and who choose to live in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The world may offer peace through temporary means or distractions, but true peace is only found in God.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3
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Peace in Obedience to God
Obedience to God's commands is the pathway to peace. Just as Jesus walked in perfect obedience to the Father and remained in peace, so too can we experience peace when we align our lives with God's will. The more we surrender to His Spirit and allow His peace to govern our hearts and minds, the more we will be able to weather the storms of life. It is through this obedience that we not only find peace for ourselves but also become agents of peace in a world filled with chaos.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
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The Contrast Between the Peace of God and the World’s Peace
The world’s peace is temporary and fragile, often based on circumstances that can change in an instant. It is a peace that does not last and cannot be relied upon in times of crisis. On the other hand, the peace that God offers is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in His unchanging character. When we choose to walk in God’s peace, we are choosing to walk in the security and assurance that comes from knowing that He is in control, regardless of the chaos that surrounds us.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
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Living as Peacemakers in a Troubled World
As followers of Christ, we are called not only to experience peace but also to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs it. This does not mean compromising with sin or turning a blind eye to injustice. Rather, it means living in such a way that our lives are a testimony of the peace that God has given us. By living in obedience to God’s commands, we shine as lights in a dark world and draw others to the peace that only He can provide.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
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Summary and Conclusion
God’s peace is a precious gift that transcends all understanding. It is a peace that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ and is maintained through obedience to His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The world offers a false peace, one that is temporary and often fleeting, but the peace of God is eternal and unshakable. As believers, we are called to walk in this peace, to live in it, and to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs the true peace that only God can give.
Living in the peace of God is not about avoiding conflict, but about trusting in His sovereignty and allowing His peace to rule in our hearts, even in the midst of storms. We are called to reflect the peace of Christ in our daily lives and to share that peace with others, so that they too can experience the joy and security that comes from knowing God.
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Call to Action
If you have not yet experienced the peace that only God can provide, I encourage you to seek it through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Trust in Him, follow His commands, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into the peace that surpasses all understanding. As you walk in His peace, you will become a living testimony to the world of the hope and security that can only be found in Christ.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not let the troubles of this world steal your peace. Remember that God is with you, and He has promised to give you His peace, even in the midst of life's most difficult challenges. Walk in His peace, trust in His sovereignty, and allow His peace to rule in your heart and mind. Be encouraged, knowing that as you live in peace with God, you will also be a peacemaker in a world that desperately needs the hope and peace that only He can offer.
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Salvation Prayer:
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I accept You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, and I believe that You rose again to give me new life. Help me to live in obedience to You, experiencing the peace that comes from knowing You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Welcome to the family of God! Rejoice in the peace that He has given you, and walk in it every day of your life.
