Living in Peace

"The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice." Psalm 97:1 (NIV)
We may wonder why should the earth be glad, why should the shores rejoice that Jehovah, the God of the whole universe, reigns? Above everything we could mention here it is the success of Spirit that is found where God reigns; it is the fruit that comes with having God reign in life and in our lives that is a cause for celebration. Where God is there is peace. God is God who works an inward peace within us that eventually radiates on the outside, for us and those around us.
When we let Jesus reign in our lives, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we allow Him to lead every step of the way, to rule every part of us – our finances, our relationships, our careers etc.
God’s ultimate plan is that we are like Jesus in character; that we embody every fruit of the Holy Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:20 (NIV)
God works in us so that we can embody these. Imagine a life where each of us were to live according to the fruit of God’s Spirit? That would be a life drenched in peace. This is what God wants for us – to live in peace within ourselves and to release that peace to others.
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
What does all of this mean?
God works in us then works through us
We surround ourselves with the children of God. Christ is always working in the hearts of believers, cultivating an inward peace that radiates on the outside. If we obey God in this, being in close communion only with His children, letting Him choose our relationships while living in love with the world we will enjoy peace.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)
2.We bring our world to Christ. We invite them into our family, the family of God so that they too can enjoy the benefits of relationship with Christ. A life of peace with God, within themselves and with man.
"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." John 10:16 (NIV)
Let us never pass an opportunity to invite people to a life of Christ. There are many resources available to us if we ever feel unprepared. We also have an eBook that could help you.
Enjoy God. Enjoy your life and enjoy life with others.