Eph 2:14-18 “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

For He (Jesus Christ) is our peace. We see in these verses where Christ makes peace between the Jews and the Gentiles. We live in a world with so much turmoil and strife. Just recently a suicide bomber was caught on a US airliner before he could complete his mission. A terrorist in our own military went on a killing spree on a military base. Or federal government wants to take control of our healthcare. Christianity and Christian principles are being attacked in schools and in local, state and federal courts. The economy is shaky at best and many are losing their jobs. Natural disasters destroy property and taking hundreds and thousands of lives. Yet He is our peace. When I think of how Christ brings people together I think of the illustration of a triangle, with God’s heart and will high above us. One person is on the lower left corner and another is on the lower right corner. It doesn’t matter which person is “more right” than the other or “further from God” than the other, it doesn’t matter how skewed or lopsided the triangle may be, God can bring people together who are willing to seek after Him. As both individuals draw nigh to God and move closer to Him, they are drawn closer together as individuals, as fellow believers. Yet if only one person draws nigh to God, the triangle become more and more skewed. If peace is dependent on us alone, there would be no real peace for our selfish desires rise up. We talk of peace treaties and peace talks around the world, but there will be no real peace apart from Christ. Man’s attempt to bring peace is futile without Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. It is interesting that it does not say that these peacemakers are great, famous, profound, etc. It says they shall be called the children of God. Why would that be? I believe because only the children of God can have and can share divine peace.

As a husband and a father of five children, it is my responsibility to teach my family this important biblical principle. Real peace comes when we are focused on Christ. When the black waters flood into our basement causing thousands of dollars in damages, when friends lash out in anger, when sickness and pain hit, and when it seems like the whole world is either caving in or against us, we can still have peace. In some instances, I have rested in His peace, other times I have failed. Each time when a hardship hits us, when a difficulty comes our way, I have a choice, exemplify His peace in my life or allow the flesh to take control.

Each morning I wake up and pray a brief prayer to put on my armor for the day, and one part of that prayer is that I would put on peace, that where I walk I might bring peace. To my shame, some days I have removed peace from my life earlier then other days. How about you? Do you strive to put on peace each day?