I don’t know of a better gift that can be received than peace. I have recently been reading the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. It is interesting to follow his intellectual and emotional growth and his insights as to what makes for a happy life. In his early years he was surrounded by many that were argumentative and confrontational in their habits. It was his observation that such life habits led to lives that were unproductive and unhappy. He therefore, gave himself to purposeful attempts to learn a better approach to life.
As I absorbed these ideas from Franklin, I found it interesting how much it seems that I was trained to be argumentative and confrontational, not that it was not also a very natural inclination of my own. In these later years of my life I have begun to wonder if those “habits” have not only been counterproductive but also ungodly. While we as the people and servants of God in an ungodly culture are required to stand with and represent God, such requirements do not free us from being godly in our behavior. Notice these words from Paul:
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
The other night Charlotte made one of my favorite desserts; however she forgot to add the sugar. I wonder how often I have not added the “sugar” of God’s presence to my life!
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Let us work at being a peaceful people.
