Can We Have Peace on Earth?

In the early 1980’s a retired couple was alarmed by the  threat of nuclear war so they undertook a serious study of all the inhabited places on the globe. Their goal was to determine where in the world would be the place to be least likely affected by a nuclear war. A place of ultimate security. 

They studied and traveled.  They traveled and studied. Finally they found the place.  And on Christmas they sent their preacher a card from their new home–in the Falkland Islands. However, their “paradise” was soon turned into a war zone by 1982 war between Great Britain and Argentina.

Not much has changed in the past three decades.  Or for matter in the history of the world.  People desire peace.  They seek peace. The pursue peace.  Whether it is  peace in terms of physical safety, peace in interpersonal relationships, or personal peace of mind.

Yet when we look at the world in which we live with turmoil at home and abroad, we do not have peace.  In the midst of a continued war against terror and attacks on our soldiers in Afghanistan, we pray for peace.  When we see on the local news images of violence in our own communities, we yearn for peace.  When anger and animosity tears apart our homes and relationships, we ache for peace.

When Jesus was born, an angel appeared to the Shepherds to announce it, and the heavenly host first sang these words, as recorded in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest,  And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

And yet in the ensuing 2000 years, people are still seeking peace as one of life’s elusive goals.

What is the problem?

Why can’t we have that which seemingly we all desire?  One writer expressed it this way, “Men do not have peace in the world nor in their hearts because they do not have peace with God.  Nothing is settled until it is settled right.  And nothing is settled right until it is settled with God.”  In other words, for us to have peace externally, we must first possess it internally.  And to have peace internally, we must find peace spiritually.

Men have tried to find peace through the pursuit of knowledge, pleasure or wealth.  Others have thought the answers could be obtained through technology or scientific advancement.  Yet in our affluent and efficient society, the problem of sin and guilt are greater than ever. Some have even sought peace through artificial stimulates and depressants to eliminate the pressures under which they live.  But when the effects of pills, drugs and alcohol wear off, the problems are still present—cold, hard and stubborn.

 Peace is the fruit of restoration.  Modern man scoffs at “guilt feelings.”  Man has more than guilt feelings, he has guilt!  And he does because of sin.  Jesus said the Holy Spirit would “convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn. 16:8).  And He did so through the Word.  And so Paul could proclaim, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

Peace of mind is the fruit of responsibility.  Escapism has never worked.  To deny responsibility is to die.  To flee is to fail!  Peace of mind comes from responsible thoughts, goals, and deeds. “The fruit of the Spirit is peace” (Gal. 5:22).

Peace of mind is the fruit of righteousness.  James said, “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those that make peace’’ (3:18).  Right living comes first. Then peace.  The world wants peace, but not the price.

Jesus said, ““Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn. 14:27).  Jesus can provide peace.  We may not have world peace, because the world will never know Jesus, but you can enjoy peace in your world.  In your heart.  In your soul.

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman