By Denny Wilson
Preacher for Parkview Church of Christ
The often-used cliché for beauty pageant contestants is what they most want is world peace. Looking at the current world political, social, and economic conditions, world peace does not seem possible. However, the Bible makes it clear that peace is possible if we will become a Christian and live according to God’s Word.
The problem of sin puts one at enmity with God (James 4:4). The word “enmity” means active warfare or hostility. But in Christ Jesus, peace was made available for mankind having abolished the enmity (Ephesians 2:14,15). He did this through His sacrificial death on the cross whereby He made peace (v.16).
After encouraging the apostles to carry out His mission to seek and save the lost (John 14-16; Cf. Luke 19:10), Jesus comforted them by saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Though we know that victory is in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57), and we understand that this world is temporary, and our lives are but a vapor that appear for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:13ff), we often let the stresses of the world and the tribulations of life keep us from the peace God intended for His children. Instead of being of good cheer, we let the world take away our joy.
When facing temptation, let us say as did our Savior, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). Then let us stand up on the B.I.B.L.E. When struggles and hardships knock us down, let’s stand up for Jesus wearing the whole armor of God (1 Timothy 6:10-17). When problems beat at our door, let’s set our minds on things above and not on the things of the earth (Colossians 3:1,2). Yes, life is hard. “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). But when I walk with the Prince of Peace, He gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). With Christ, I can overcome (Romans 8:37-39). World peace is available if we will come to Jesus and follow Him.
