It is rare in today’s bustling modern world to find a sense of perfect peace. Living with terrorist plots that make travel uncomfortable, working in an economic environment which only causes stress and difficulties, knowing that there is still massive inequality in the world and that children in some countries are dying of hunger, all these things contribute to our disquiet. Where can we turn to for peace of mind?
Times like these remind us of Jesus’ words, that he came not to bring peace but a sword. Later, in the epistles of Paul, we read that the sword he meant was the sword of the Spirit. With Jesus came the power of the Holy Spirit which, though a comforter to those who believe, was a sword to be used against evil. Jesus was not some wide-eyed idealist who thought a few miracles would change the world overnight. Though hundreds witnessed his resurrection, many still refused to believe that he was the son of God.
The foundation of Christianity led to years of strife in his name, and it still continues today. The battle between good and evil will not end till we are all kneeling at the foot of the cross. But in the meantime we have a sword, not a real sword but a spiritual one, to fight the dark forces that reside in the spirit. The only way to tackle evil, to combat the moral decline of our society, is to take up the sword. On those nights when you are afraid to go out into the street for fear of being mugged, use the scriptures as your comfort, the Lord as your companion. Say a simple prayer for the safety of our children. Beg for the victory that will bring peace forever.
The only real peace that is possible in this life is the peace of God. It has been promised to those willing to take up the sword of the Spirit. The Spirit is both sword and dove. Peace comes through action, not through inaction. By making determined efforts to understand the words of Jesus and to pass them on to others we use the sword to usher in the dove. There in that place of selfless devotion lies the secret to everlasting peace.
Written by Milton Johanides
Milton Johanides is a retired businessman, church elder, writer and artist. He has been featured on BBC TVs Songs of Praise, and owned art galleries
YOUTUBE – STAND UP FOR WORLD PEACE! Created by Trevor Dougherty This video was nominated for “Most Inspirational” in the YouTube Video Awards 2007. It has also been viewed in more than 100 countries, from Afghanistan to Zambia. We urge you to stand up for WORLD PEACE! ¡Paz de mundo! Paix dans le monde! Weltfrieden! Pace di mondo! De wereldvrede! Paz mundial! Мир во всем мире! Verdenfred! Let’s make this video travel around the world so everyone can share our vision of world peace. I hope you will be inspired to take a stand and express yourself in a video response to this… We live in a world full of poverty, disease, corruption, and inequality. Violence is an intolerable addition to this global suffering! We must focus our efforts on helping to better the lives of those in need, instead of KILLING and causing more pain to fellow humans and innocent people! This is a project in stop-motion animation that took about 1000 separate shots to create. – PLEASE POST YOUR VIDEO RESPONSES – All you need to do, to show that you care, is literally *stand up.* Just get off your office chair or coach, stand on your feet, and film it. No one is asking for a donation, a promise, or your contact information…just a show of your support. We can create a powerful movement. If you are in the mood for a peaceful world, then STAND UP. Created by Trevor Dougherty www.youtube.com Music: “Revolve” by hisboyelroy “ditto ditto” by ditto ditto