As we have at no time greater in the last few months after September 11,2001, we feel the uncertainty of war. What will happen, how long will it last, and more importantly, who will die? All these questions confront us as we listen to the news or watch our loved ones pack up to answer the call of duty. Families are turned upside down because dad or mom, son or daughter, brother or sister are leaving to place themselves in harms way. How, when our world is being turned upside down, can we as Christians maintain peace in our lives?
Christians can have peace because of their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. For we read in Ephesians 2:17, "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." As we look at the New Testament we find that the word peace occurs in every book except First John. Because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, we can have the peace that the apostle Paul said was indescribable, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4: 7).
This peace is beyond the world's understanding. True, Christians are affected by events in the world, but they understand that this world and the things of this world are temporal. When we, like the brethren of Macedonia, first give ourselves to God then we can truly have a peace that passeth ail understanding. Just think of the persecutions that the early Christians faced. They lost their homes, wealth, families and many times suffered physical pain and even death, yet they had a peace about them that others saw and desired.
Brethren, when we understand that our treasure is in heaven, then earthly things and troubles do not seem so large. Yes, we have fears and concerns, but as Christians we should also have the peace of mind to know that even if physical death takes us, we have a reunion awaiting us in heaven with all those faithful Christians who have gone on before us. We can have peace because we know our sins are forgiven and our Lord awaits to welcome us into the place that He has prepared for us. We can have peace even in the face of war because we know that there is more than just this earth and what is happening right now. This peace is not just a pipe dream or empty words. It is real and it can be yours, but you must first give your life to God through faithful obedience to His will. May God be with us and with our President and may all be done to avoid open conflict!