Real Answers™jj140Copyright: ©2009 James J. Jackson600 words
THE ELUSIVE SEARCH FOR PEACE
By: James J. Jackson

Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com