The Formula of PEACE

Philippians 4:8-9 - “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

The formula for PEACE

Many attempts have been made to have peace on earth. But peace seems to elude everyone who wants it. We hear people cry and beg for peace. Some arm themselves to secure peace. Can we really achieve peace with all the problems we are facing today? 

There can never be peace without the Prince of Peace who is the Lord Jesus Christ. The peace He gives is not the kind of peace this world wants. The Bible describes the peace that Jesus gives as the peace that “passeth all understanding.” It goes past our understanding. It is peace that does not make sense because we can feel and enjoy without the absence of troubles and afflictions. 

That’s how powerful God’s peace is. It is not dependent on the absence of difficulties. In fact, it becomes more powerful in the midst of a storm. It calms the storm and can still the waters. This peace can face whatever destructive force there is with the spirit of trust and confidence, mindful that God is present. This peace does not react or retaliate. It responds with love and grace. 

The Apostle Paul reminds the Philippian Christians that the peace of God is in them through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Because it was in them, they could rejoice. They did not have to worry and be anxious. 

Notice how the beloved Apostle presents this truth in Philippians 3:4-6. He does not say to get rid of those people causing troubles or stay away from those that can cause stress and challenges. We need them to be strong and mature. Look at what he says:

1.Rejoice in the Lord always - let the Joy of the Lord be your strength. Do not allow difficult circumstances take away your joy.

2.Let your moderation be shown instead of bitterness and anger. - maintain a gentle spirit and control the emotion when facing trials and temptations. The more we feel troubled; the more we cannot process or think right. 

3.Be careful for nothing - stop being anxious about anything but instead give thanks to God. Pray instead of being a “prey” and let your request be made known to God.

The above formula for peace is the way we should face life’s difficulties and challenges. We do not have peace not because of problems. It is how we react or respond. It is all about choosing the proper response and how we perceive them as they come. We feel more troubled because of our wrong reaction and also the inaction of what is right and proper. 

Apostle Paul gives his conclusion when he says “Finally.” The final statement he gives is what will make us enjoy peace. Peace does not come automatically. It comes when we exercise what the Lord has given us to enjoy it.  

1.The Lord gave us the mind to think and to process right what is before us. In thinking we can choose the right and the good things. 

2.The Lord gave us the mind to remember and learn from the process and from others. 

3.The Lord gave us the will or the volition to act and do right. 

Conclusion:

The problem most Christians have is they make their impulse and their feelings think and decide for them. When we become emotionally driven, we do not think and act right. We react without thinking and regret our actions.

Let us use our mind, influenced by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to respond righteously and in a godly manner. Remember, we can only be troubled when we allow ourselves to be affected negatively by them. The peace of God is in us and with the help of the Spirit, we can enjoy its presence by thinking and doing what is right. 

We need the peace of God because we live in a troubled world. In heaven there is no peace. We do not need it. There is no need for grace, faith, patience, goodness. What is there is the love of God. Perfection does not need a solution. That is amazingly wonderful! Praise God!