Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

PEACE, PEACE, MARVELOUS PEACE!

Extremely high on the priority list of men and of nations is the state of peace. Of course, those words may mean different things in accordance with whoever says them. Stay focused on this one!

Peace! It is an enduring status to some, and so elusive to others. Still others throw it away before they realize they have it. Some folks want domestic peace. What can be more troubling than a home where there is no peace? Others want inner peace, a reprieve from a troubled conscience, or the filling of an inner void. Still others may be as the Hatfields and the McCoys; desperately needing peace in their relationships with others. Nations cry peace, and go to extremes to avoid war, and it's terrible effects for generations.

But should one trade away all freedoms of life and other potentials for peace to know a lesser degree of stress and turmoil? As the old saying goes, some would rather be red than dead, and will surrender to chains to avoid conflict as though the chains would bring them peace. Those who are troubled, and in need of peace should look nowhere else but to the Prince of Peace Who alone is able to bring permanent peace to the human heart and mind. So, often we read apostolic salutations in the scriptures of “grace and peace unto you,” Such greetings were made in the sure realization that those states of being are the gift of God and not of man.

Those who look elsewhere for peace than to the Lord Jesus Christ may find a temporary topical cream for a present troubled situation, but no lasting peace. The scriptures warned that this would be the mindset of men in the last days: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” I Thess. 5:3.

At the entrance of Jesus into the World, angelic hosts praised God saying:” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. He is the Prince Peace and the promise is “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isa. 26:3. Thus did Jesus say to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. One may wonder if there is an alternative. In that case, most serious consideration should be given to the forceful and simple statement of Isa 48:22, “There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.”

FOR THOUGHT: How do you define personal peace? Is it the removal of obstacles so that you may have your way? Is it refraining from all controversy? If there is a peace that passes all understanding, would it not be present in all the scenarios of life? Do you know the peace that

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