Monday, March 29, 2010
Peace
I read an article on world history the other day. Did you know that in 3500 years of human history, only 300 of those years could be called “warless.” Over 8000 treaties have been made and broken during that time. Peace defined is “that brief, glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading.” Very sad but true. Man has tried and tried to reconcile and bring “peace in our time”, but truth is, man and peace apparently don't mix well. Whether between countries or in families, war seems to rule the day.
In the Old Testament, David contemplated the irony of the name “Jerusalem, City of Peace.” It was city full of war with the hope of peace. In Psalm 122, David said to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, Jerusalem housed the presence of the Lord, but was a city of war.
Today, our bodies are the dwelling place of God. In 1 Cor. 6:19, Paul reminds us that our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” We are built for peace, but in our flesh, are inclined towards struggle. It is so important that we remember that we have the source of peace residing in our lives. Paul calls us “chosen instruments of Christ” in Acts 9:15. The challenge today is to let God keep his hands on you as His instrument.
Ask yourself today “how can I be a peacemaker?” Where I work, in my family, at school, how can I be a promote peace with those around me? Pray for the Lord to use you as an instrument of peace.
Let your life today highlight the “treaty” between you and God- a treaty of peace.
by Joey Staples ©
