Peace week2

 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Saviour revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.    Titus 3.3-11

This passage in Titus describes the priceless lives we once lived. We were foolish, disobedient and deceived by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in envy and were full of malice. Then into our turmoil walked the peace of Christ. God saved us, and the Holy Spirit raised the white flag over all our turmoil. When God called us to salvation, we were called to peace. 

At our conversion our troubled spirits heard the words, ‘Be still!’, (Mark 4.39) and we were ashamed of the pointless noise we had once allowed to live in the centre of our souls. Can you remember where His ‘be still’ found you? The storms of meaninglessness raged all about you. The winds of indecision buffeted you. The tides of turmoil raged. You knew not who you were. You found no pier of support in all the turbulence. Then He came with His peace. 

The result of this new peace is suggested in Titus 3.9-11. From now on those Christians who once loved argument now avoid controversy and despise their foolish quarrels. Christ’s peace counsels those who love divisive behaviour to put their quarrelsome natures aside and enjoy the quiet. 

So living in peace and making peace become the purpose of God in our lives. Having learned peace through our conversion, we begin to publish it as evidence of our salvation. We came upon that grace that saved us not because of righteous things we had done but because of His mercy. Now we model His grace, and in the process others discover His salvation.