Searching for Peace

Albert Einstein said, “What terrifies us is not the explosive force of the atomic bomb but the power of the wickedness of the human heart.”

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV). We of course want peace in the world. Yet neither this verse nor the Bible itself teaches peace at any cost or peace by appeasement.

Some well-meaning people protest for peace, saying that all war is bad. Sometimes they will cite a Scripture verse or two to support their case. But that is not what Jesus was referring to in the above verse. The Bible teaches that there is a time for peace, and yes, there is also a time for war (see Ecclesiastes 3:8).

Yet it’s sad how much war this world has known. According to some estimates, in the last 4,000 years there have been only less than 300 years without a major war. It seems that peace is merely a glorious moment in history when everyone pauses to reload.

There’s a right and wrong way to obtain peace. We can experience peace, but not through human means.

James asks, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (James 4:1 NKJV). He goes on to say, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (verse 2 NKJV).

So what should we do? How can we resolve this dilemma? We should seek to bring the Prince of Peace to others. Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (NKJV).

As people who have met God and experienced His mercy, we should commit our lives to telling others about Him. Then we will be true peacemakers.