Peace - regardless of religious beliefs, it's what everyone is on the search for. Some people travel the world in search of peace.
I've had many people, over most of my life, tell me that I am always so peaceful. And they want to know what my secret is. But before I have a chance to answer, then they add "you must have such an easy life." All I can do is laugh. For those that know my story, you know that I have not had an easy life what-so-ever. But people look at my face and make that judgement. So I do laugh, politely, and then reply "My life has been anything but easy. But the secret is Jesus and He is the Prince of Peace. Do you know Him?"
I love when someone else initiates a conversation because then they will listen to my answer because it's something they have asked for. It's one thing when you initiate a discussion yourself, but quite another story when someone else does. They won't tune you out because they are the one which had the interest to begin with. Non-believers can always identify the characteristics of Jesus that we carry. They don't always know what it is, but they see that we are different than everyone else.
Last week I attended a city hall meeting where the open forum and public comments were very heated. It was a passionate subject and because the maturity level in the crowd was low, it led to a lot of shouting, waiving signs, insults, disrespect and chaos. And without knowing it, when I sat down in this meeting, the only seat which was open was in the middle of the chaotic crowd. And that is just how God uses me; so that the spiritual atmosphere can be shifted. Despite the loud disrespectful voices and the women who couldn't even remain in their seats, I sat steadfast focusing on the peace of the Lord. I didn't listen to what was being said, I didn't allow myself to become emotionally involved, I sat staying focused on Jesus. I sat in the middle of this storm declaring to the storm "PEACE, be still." I sat thanking the Lord for His goodness and asking the Holy Spirit to use me as a vessel of peace in the room.
From an outside perspective, I didn't make a difference. But what was prevented - we don't know because it didn't happen. Who actually did tame their tongue - we don't know because they didn't speak out. When we focus on God's ways, we have to focus on His outcomes.
When we look at the life of Jesus, He was the picture of peace. No matter what was happening to Him, no matter what was being said about Him, He always maintained His peace. And He is our example of how to partner with true peace. So when we study His example, the way He lived life, then we can start to enter into true peace. His peace is the only true peace which can calm the storm. His peace is the only true peace that allows us to maneuver through chaotic obstacles. Jesus remained in peace while being tempted by the devil. Jesus remained in peace while being mocked. Jesus remained in peace when no one said "thank You." Jesus remained in peace while His authority was challenged. Jesus remained in peace while He was tortured and had nails pierced into His hands and feet. He was the example for all of His followers to live this life His way - by staying in peace.
Jesus stayed focused on the Father and the purpose that the Father needed Him to do. And praise God that the purpose that we have been created for is not as horrific as Jesus. But as Jesus had the ultimate purpose, we each have a unique purpose to carry out for the Father also. And we won't be able to carry it out properly if we are unable to operate in the Lord's peace. Peace is an essential characteristic for all Christ followers.
When we operate in true peace, not a cheap replica of peace as other religious practices teach, we can do the things that the Lord has called us to do. We get to fulfill our purpose while acting in excellence because we are doing it in the way Jesus taught. That is what makes believers look different than others. That is what prompts people to ask us questions that they want to know the answer to. This is what opens up a discussion and allows us to plant a seed. And this is how we begin to walk in the authority of our gifts. When we live our life following the instructions of Jesus, we step into our authority that He has given to us.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”
We are called to step into our spiritual authority while here on earth. God allows, and expects us, to take back enemy territory for Him and in His name. But we can't do that until we do it His way. Otherwise we are just one more person in the world trying to build our own little kingdom, giving ourselves glory, and getting our own credit. But God needs to get the glory. The work we do needs to point to God. The way we act needs to reflect the nature of Jesus. And this starts with an understanding of the peace that only He can offer.
If you want to know how to enter into the Lord's presence, and start living a life of peace, listen to this podcast. I give an example, step-by-step, of how I practice coming into the peaceful presence of the Lord. CLICK HERE (it's only 18 minutes long)
All month long we will be talking about peace. Come and step into a deeper level of peace with us. Let's reflect the peace of Jesus everywhere we go!
I also want to invite you to join us for church on Wednesday nights, we stream live over YouTube. Find our next live stream from our playlist here.