1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace”
Hebrews 12:14: “Strive for peace with everyone”
From the above scriptures, and many more written in the Bible, we see God’s stance on Believer’s engagements in their environments.
The Bible never advocates for violent protests. God never advocates for criminality and destruction of properties.
The Bible does not support the breaking security protocols, especially for political reasons.
Violence tears down a nation. Violence creates division, disloyalty, distrust, as well as fear in the country.
Romans 14:19: “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding”
It is only Peace that can build up a Nation. It is only Peace that can restore a nation back to its past glory.
Peace is the lifestyle of a believer.
Note that God doesn’t condemn us from expressing our voices either.
He is not against us demanding for fairness and Justice.
1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace”
God is not a God of disorderliness or violence. He is a God of Peace.
Inasmuch as one might have been wronged, politically or judicially, yet, if one is a Christian, one must learn how to put sentiments and emotions aside, and express oneself in a cultured and peaceful manner.
This is the true conduct of believers.
Scriptures tell us that our conversation is not of this world. We are citizens of heaven, and we are but Pilgrims on this Earth.
Hence, our progress and thrive, is not dependent on the economy of the country. Neither is it dependent on who the government’s leader is. We are dependent on God.
Joseph thrived under Pharaoh, a pagan ruler. Daniel thrived under Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan ruler.
God’s people have always been the target of enemies, especially the Pagan Rulers. But those who in time past, have held unto God, always fulfill God’s will even in the midst of the hostility.
So fear not! Be at Peace! Speak calmness unto your soul! Refuse to partake in any movement that has violent expressions and implications.
You are first a Christian, before you are a Conservative or Liberal.
You are first a Christian, before you are a democrat or Republican.
You are first a child of God, before you are a Trumpist or Pro-Biden.
Uphold your Civic duties as a Believer. Choose and advocate for the path of Peace.
Finally, pray for your nation. Pray that the Lord’s will, and not anyone’s sentiment, be fulfilled. Pray that order may be restored, and that no life may be lost.
Pray for God’s wisdom upon the leadership, to be able to manage these crisis properly.
Shalom
Tag Archives: peace
LIVING IN INTERNAL TRANQUILITY
Matthew 14 vs 32 ;
“And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased”
The disciples of Jesus were out one night in the middle of the sea and suddenly, a great wind arose which was going contrary to them. Take note of the word, ‘CONTRARY.’
Also note that at that time, they lacked Jesus in the ship because Jesus was out somewhere praying at that time.
I believe Jesus’ disciples did have tried everything they could to restore balance to the ship.
Probably, they had adjusted the ship, or throw some goods into the sea. All of these were done in order to prevent the ship from sinking.
But when Jesus came into the boat in verse 32 above, we’re told in scriptures “And when they were come into the ship(JESUS alongside Peter), the wind ceased”, the storm became calm, the trouble left and Peace was restored.
John tells us, in his account of this story that “they (referring to Jesus’disciples) WILLINGLY received him into the ship…… ”,
After seeing they could not help themselves, they WILLINGLY received him. After trying their best to bring peace, they WILLINGLY received Him who is ‘THE PRINCE OF PEACE’ into their boat and immediately, peace came into their lives both externally and internally.
That ship represents our lives as Christians. In the midst of the storm, it is trying its best to escape the storm, to find peace and inner tranquility.
We earnestly search for it with all our might. Yet, because of storms like this pandemic, we live in panic, in fear, and in despair
This is because in our quest for true peace, we have left out The PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS CHRIST.
We have totally left him out of our troubles thinking we could solve it ourselves, when the Bible actually tells us in Proverbs 3 that we should lean not on our own understanding, but trust in him and acknowledge him in everything we do including our troubles!
If He could not give us peace, He wouldn’t have told us in 1st PETER 5 vs 7 to cast all our cares(troubles, needs, problems) upon Him.
He knew we would face challenges and that was why He made Himself available, to hear our cries and save us, giving us peace both within and without.
God really wants you to take your hands off the wheels and allow him take control.
He wants you to stop being in charge of your life and let him handle it. He really wants to help, if only we could let him take over.
How can I invite Jesus into my life?
It’s very simple. You invite Him by first accepting him into your life.
With the first step done, know that He has stepped in already.
Though He’s in their lives, yet, many Christians today, fail to acknowledge the Presence of God that dwells with and in them.
Be fully convinced that God is with you even in the midst of that storm. Though, the storm might be so frightening that it’s difficult to feel Him working in the midst of it, do not be despaired.
We rely on God by continuous studying of His Word. Our Bible doesn’t exist merely to show we are Christians, it is there to help us to build up our faith in God!
The Bible has a solution for every kind of problem the world is facing today.
The problem with many-a-christian is that when challenges come and their inner peace is gone, instead of turning to God, they blame him. If you can’t blame a barber for you having a bushy hair, then you shouldn’t blame God for your problems!
We live in a world full of troubles bound to take away our peace but if we can just turn to God through constant studying of the bible, prayers and trusting in him, trust me we will be at peace even if all around us seems to be going contrary because we know God never fails.
Lastly,
Proverbs 3vs 1&2,
“My Son, forget not my law but let thine heart keep my commandments
For length of days and long life and PEACE shall they add unto thee ”
See up their, it brings peace, God’s law and commandments brings peace. As a matter of fact, whatever you let your heart get used to will rule you, so if you let your heart rely in God’s word(commandments) through studying the Bible, prayer and trusting in him, Your heart will gradually get inclined to Peace which only the Lord gives both inward and outward.
Let Jesus take control of your life today, take your hands off the wheels and let him take over. SHALOM
Tolu-Taiwo Victor
KOINONIA ART 