We ALL Need To “Pray For Peace”

We All Need To “Pray For Peace”

By John Livingston Clark

Reba McEntire recently recorded a new song called “Pray For Peace.” In all that our world is presently experiencing we can definitely have some peace. What exactly is peace? The common thought, of course, is an absence of conflict between individuals and countries. We all know, though, that down through the centuries there have been wars between nations, races, ethnic groups, and yes, even religions. Peace in Israel and the middle east has been an illusive dream. Right now we are witnessing rioting in various places, including the United States. A lack of peace takes many forms, from domestic battles within our families to major conflicts within our society. Why can’t human nature get along?

The great American statesman and former president, Ronald Reagan, said “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” That is so true, but it goes beyond that. It appears that all too often people don’t want to use peaceful means. This is because human nature is prone to be sinful. Pope Francis stated in his most recent book, THE CHURCH OF MERCY, “When we think only of ourselves and our own interests and place ourselves in the center, when we permit ourselves to be captivated by the idols of dominion and power, when we put ourselves in God’s place, then all relationships are broken and everything is ruined; then the door opens to violence, indifference, and conflict.” The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is.” This does not mean that every person does and thinks bad things all of the time, like in the case with those who are members of ISIS, but how else can one explain all of the evil, overall, in the world?

So, what is the answer to having real peace? It starts with a transformation of character within each individual through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s not the same as religion because, as I mentioned earlier, even religions have conflicts. It is allowing the qualities of Jesus to take over in our lives by surrendering to Him. The Bible says in John 14:27 that God will give us peace, but not as the world gives. There are other things said about peace that apply only to those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus.

* Romans 5:1 mentions peace with God.
* Galatians 5:22 says that peace, among other qualities, is a fruit of the
Holy Spirit.
* Ephesians 2:14 states that Jesus Himself is our peace.
* Philippians 4:7 says that we can have an internal peace that
surpasses all human understanding.
* Colossians 1:20 tells us that peace comes through the blood of Jesus.

We should pray for peace in the world, but we must also pray for true peace in the lives of individuals. The cause of conflict in the world is due to the absence of true peace in the heart of each person. If you want to have true peace in your life click on the salvation button to find out how.