Peace Through Service

People strive for peace in different ways. Some work to achieve a desirable comfort level of status or wealth through their own merit, deeming themselves to be deserving of it. Others may keep themselves isolated to keep the drama and impact of others away from their ideal way of life. The Bible makes a distinct claim that the effort of man will never bring sustaining peace; rather, we should cast off the bonds and chains that are referred to by some as guidelines for life.
Luke quotes Psalm 2:1-2 by questioning why “Gentiles (non-Jews) rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against His anointed” (Acts 4:25-26).  There is a warning to be discerned from these passages. The path of peace is not decided within ourselves, from a mindset that is separated from the acknowledgement and reliance of God and Him whom He has anointed.
Paul begins many of his letters from a reflective structure of grace and peace coming from a life that is intended and determined to be a servant of Christ Jesus. In Philippians 1:2, Paul desires for grace and peace to be given to the hearers of his letter. His letter is not just for instruction but a result of his servitude to Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1) Living as a servant of Christ places us in a position to give peace to others through the gospel of Jesus; but if serving Jesus is not held as the pathway to experience peace we will be left to the worldly chase of peace that is never sustained. Take steps today to be a servant of Jesus and to share the peace that He has given to you.