Prince Of Peace

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. . . Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." -- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-17

Well, if we can’t necessarily expect relational peace, or peaceful circumstances, then what about inner peace? What about peace in my soul? And the good news here is that God does indeed promise this kind of peace to those who follow Him. We can possess a deep, authentic peace in our hearts, even if our circumstances are anything but peaceful, even if everything in our lives seems to be going haywire. Through prayer and faith in Christ, he can give us a peace so deep that nothing in this world can touch it.

"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. -- John 14:27

"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." -- John 16:33

However, there’s a small catch. Even this peace is not the absence of struggle; rather, it’s peace in the midst of struggle. Because as long as we are in this world, we are at war with indwelling sin, with our inherent tendency to seek pleasure, and joy, and fulfillment apart from God. Listen:

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." -- Galatians 5:17

For the disciple of Christ, there is genuine peace, peace deeper and stronger than anything the world can offer. But there is also a continuing internal struggle with sin. When Christ returns, God will transform us so that we are no longer subject to temptation. But until that day comes, we are at war.

I mention this because there are many people who have a false peace, a pseudo-peace. They think they’re doing well because they don’t suffer from anxiety or worry; they have a positive, optimistic outlook on life; they are pleasant, agreeable, well-adjusted people. They have a kind of peace, but it’s not legitimate. Because their peace is not a godly peace. It’s not a true peace. It’s the peace that comes from failing to engage the enemy. Their minds are untroubled, but only because they refuse to enter into conflict with the sin in their lives. They refuse to let the Holy Spirit expose the hidden corruption of their hearts. They look good on the outside. They live respectable lives. They don’t cheat on their taxes, they don’t cheat on their wives. They work hard, they don’t get drunk, or swear, they don’t look at pornography. They are model citizens and model church members. But deep down, in a place that’s not obvious to anyone else, there are pockets of lust, or rage, or pride, or envy, or greed that go unacknowledged and untouched. They’ve made a truce with sin. They’ve said to sin, "as long as you don’t mess up my pleasant life, I’ll leave you alone." But listen to what Christ said about that: