Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
The path has been laid (Christ…leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps, 1 Peter 2:21), if we follow the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) we will learn what it means to edify one another. We must remember that our walk begins in our mind and is illustrated in our speech and manner of life. The path that leads to true peace, with God, with others and with ourselves, is paved with – things that are true, things that are honest, things that are just, things that are pure, things that are lovely, things that are of good report, things of virtue, things praiseworthy, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, holiness, bowels of mercies, kindness and humbleness of mind. (Phil. 4:8; Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:12, 13)
The path of confusion is paved with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, lying, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, prideful, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful, idolaters, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind. (Eph. 4:25, 31; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:29-31; 1 Cor. 6:9)
Objective and subjective peace can only be obtained by obeying the commandments of God. Peace of mind is a rarity for many in this world of chaos and confusion. Let us resolve to put God’s commandments first in all that we do and follow the Prince of Peace – Christ Jesus!
Tavares D. Mathews