Advent Week 4
The world promises peace but can’t even deliver a pizza.
By Roy Harryman
Six words encapsulate humanity’s sincere desire for – and utter failure at – peace: “The War to End All Wars.”
This phrase was created to advocate for what became World War 1. After the conflict ended, President Woodrow Wilson referred to it as the “final triumph of justice.” Yet soon after, Communism marched across Russia and Nazism rose in Germany. The stage was set more an even more severe clash.
It’s a reminder that we hold a naïve belief that peace can be imposed by outside forces: “Sure, we might need to waive a bayonet every once in a while, but it can be a reality if we only keep trying.”
But if we’re honest, most of us don’t concern ourselves with international relations. We’re much more absorbed in our personal pursuits for peace of mind and steadiness of soul. In a sense, we’re engaged in our own personal “war to end all wars.” These internal struggles occur in our relationships and our battles with addiction, loneliness, depression and alienation.
We try to win these personal battles through:
Relational co-dependency
Personal achievement
Workaholism
Alcoholism
Materialism
Or other “isms.”
If we don’t find some level of contentment through these, the fight can become more extreme. People in search of peace may destroy those who stand between them and their goal. Don’t believe that? Then why are our prisons overflowing? Each inmate was looking for something he thought would satisfy.
“We have it half right: Peace actually does come from the outside. We’re just looking in the wrong place.”
Peace flows from “the Prince of Peace” – Jesus (see Isaiah 9:6).
This is what the angels announced to the shepherds at the time of Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – John 14:27
The biblical concept of peace means much more than the absence of conflict (a mere ceasefire). It’s a positive term meaning wholeness, security and serenity. It empowers us to relate correctly to other people and God. In fact, it’s the right relationship with God that leads to peaceful relationships with the people in our lives.
Where it starts
It must start with us and God – one on one. Peace results when we clearly understand we have failed God and need God. He’s not just a good luck charm. He’s everything. God loves us and is extending his hand toward us, asking each of us to accept his offer of forgiveness and a fresh start. If we receive it, we can begin to experience lasting peace.
Now, this doesn’t mean an absence of trouble. It means we gain the ability to endure it, overcome it and emerge stronger. After all, not everyone’s on board with this peace thing, right? They’re going to test our resolve. Jesus told his first disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Notice that Jesus does not give peace “as the world gives.” The world promises utopia but can’t even deliver a pizza. Jesus’ peace can outshine cancer, unemployment and prison cells.
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Unlike “The Matrix” scenario, peace doesn’t come from choosing a red or a blue pill. Peace is a daily (even hourly) choice. Each day, new circumstances will attempt to shatter our peace. We must humbly look to God and ask for his help in responding wisely. His peace helps us do the next right thing instead of surrendering to fear.
Finally, peace is about more than personal survival. Jesus wants to help us go from peace breakers to peace makers. Not only can we experience peace, we can export it. It’s contagious.
“The makers and maintainers of peace will be called the sons and daughters of God.” – Jesus, Matthew 5:9
Sound too good to be true? It is … without God. But nothing is impossible with him. Not even a virgin birth.
PRAYER
God, my natural tendency is toward chaos, not peace. Toward fear, not trust. Thank you that you are God and you are good. You desire to direct my heart toward you in all life’s challenges. I humbly acknowledge that I need you and your peace. Guide me. Help me to hear you instead of the voices of conflict within and without. Please grant me your peace and help me to be a peace maker. Thank you for coming to bring peace. Amen.
Roy Harryman is a regular guy who is thankful for God’s work in his life and is looking forward to its continuation and fulfillment.