Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV
In a world where it is easier to spoil things than to create them, today's extract is apt. In a world where man has found novel ways to make and wage war, today's message is timely for the wise. In a world where war brings profit, today's message holds eternal lessons for as many as would listen.
I checked out the meaning of peace: 1 called it freedom from disturbance; tranquillity; freedom from interference. Another said it is a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended. As much as these definitions are true, they are limited from God's perspective. These definitions refer to peace from the external; considering what is going on outside of me. However, from God's perspective, peace is first a function of my inner state, before it becomes my external reality.
You cannot truly define peace outside the Prince of peace. You cannot experience true peace until you experience Peace Himself. There are no guarantees that wars will cease or you will never have interference. Wars and rumours of wars are part of this side of eternity. As long as I am on this side of eternity, I need the presence of the Prince of peace, if I will truly experience the tranquillity God promises.
And of course, what you don't have, you can't give. How do I make peace between people if I have not experienced it? How do I promote peace in my space if my own heart is at war over its pursuits and priorities? Making peace is an outflow of having peace; you draw on what you have stored up. There are no credit card transactions when it comes to the Christian life, where you borrow and then pay later. You pay the price by seeking it and doing what is required to store it up. God's grace makes it available but you must work it to establish it. It is abundant; it is free but it will place a demand on you to live it out daily.
And the reward for living right will be that you are known and recognized as belonging to the One called Peace. Men know what the standard is, even though they are not willing to live by it. The men in Antioch were first called Christians because their lives had marks of distinction that bore semblance to Christ. As I live from day to day, what do men see in me? What kind of fragrance does my life produce?
Am I truly a child of God, known by Him, or am I still struggling for identity and purpose and direction? Time is of essence; the world awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? His time of favour is here.
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