Not As The World Giveth

Two summers ago, while I was coming to the end of a several-day stint working for a local ice cream store at the Kentucky State Fair, I began to sense my heart becoming desirous of the popularity and the allurement of the world I had watched swirl around me all week. I watched blond beauties pass by in their worldly and sexy clothing. I saw official people walk around, dressed in monogrammed shirts and business attire, looking very put-together and professional. Then I looked at myself in the mirror, dressed in a denim skirt and a t-shirt with my hair pulled back, and contrasted the differences. I found my heart lacking contentment in the Lord and my flesh longing for the “peace” that comes from the exposure of the body to gain attention, the affection of a boyfriend, and being popular with others to receive affirmation.

Then it hit me.

“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.” John 14:27

When it is all sifted down, social popularity, sexually enticing beauty, the wealth that is manifested in dollars and cents, that is all the peace the world has to offer and it is all as a mist that passes away when the sun rises. There is nothing trustworthy, nothing eternal, nothing that holds hope. What is it that we have with the peace of Christ? Eternal security in Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, fellowship with other believers in the Spirit, rest in the sovereignty of God, acceptance in the Beloved, and the list goes on and on. So would I trade all that and more to be viewed as sexy, to be popular among “the right people”? No indeed! The peace of Christ is the better part. It shall not be taken from me or you (Luke 10:42). Let us dwell in that peace, refusing self-pity absolutely and asking the Lord to enrich our hearts with the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). That promise is tangible and active, and offered to each of us. Grasp it with both hands and delight in the peace of Jesus Christ.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3