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Once you reject your own self-righteousness and put on the righteousness of God, the second attribute of an abundant life is peace. Peace is the inner tranquility and poise of the believer whose trust is in God through Jesus Christ.
The world sees peace as a lack of external conflict or trouble; however, in God’s Kingdom, peace can be present in the midst of conflict and trouble.
Peace gives you internal comfort and the courage to face difficult situations and external problems. Without God’s internal peace, you cannot address problems effectively, nor can you obtain external peace.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace. A prince is the son of a sovereign ruler; so Prince of Peace means that Jesus is the bearer, or ambassador, of peace. And when Jesus talks about giving us more abundant life, He is talking about a life that will allow us to experience peace with God, with ourselves, with nature, and with those who choose peace.
This peace that God gives to us is not the counterfeit peace that the world offers through materialism, false religions, and false treaties. It is a godly peace that passes all earthly understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace is beyond the world’s comprehension. In the midst of an economic meltdown, you have peace; in the midst of bad news from the doctor, you have peace; in the midst of limited cash flow, you have peace; and in the midst of uncertainty about the future, you have peace. This peace is not circumstantial, but rather it is based on complete trust in God through Jesus Christ.
As a Kingdom business steward, how can you achieve this peace that passes all understanding? It comes only by abiding in Christ. Here are five things that keep you abiding or finding your existence in Him :
- A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which gives you peace with God (Romans 5:1)
- Keeping your mind on Him (Hebrews 12:2)
- Being spiritually minded no matter the circumstances (Romans 12:2)
- Prayer - drawing near to Him with your worship and needs (James 4:8)
- Keeping the Word of God in your heart (Romans 10:8)
The moment you take your eyes off Jesus and begin to focus instead on yourself or your situation, you will lose your peace. The wrong focus will cause you to lose His perspective, and His promises will seem far from you.
Why is the peace of God so necessary? It is a peace that the world cannot take away, and that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It is a spiritual shield around your heart and your internal nervous system to protect you against sudden heart attack or mental breakdown.
Many people in business have experienced heart failure and mental breakdowns as a result of bad news they received about their business. This news can range from market changes, loss of contracts, loss of investments, or lawsuits.
Remember, the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he will use people, things, and information to achieve his goal. But Jesus came that you may have abundant life, free from worry.
And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
- Philippians 4:7 (AMP)
What are you facing right now? Are you experiencing an abundant life? Do you have the peace that passes all understanding? If not, seek the Prince of Peace, set your mind on Him, remain spiritually minded, pray, and fill your heart with His holy Word. Before you know it, His peace will begin to cover you and fill you.
Though your problems may not disappear, God’s peace will give you the comfort and the courage to face any and every problem. This is walking in the abundant life that God came to share with all who choose to trust and believe in Him.
My prayer for you today is that God will give you a more abundant peace that passes all your understanding, enabling you to realize His plan for your life and business.
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