All Glory To Jesus

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Romans 5:1-5 NASB 

How do we aspire to live peaceful and quiet lives in a tumultuous and chaotic world? First and foremost, true peace in our lives starts with a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the foundation for living peacefully in this sin-broken world. His is the peace that is ours by believing in Christ. 

The book of James gives us some concrete examples of what living out a God led life with the peace of Holy Spirit looks like in James 3:13-18 NASB ”Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behaviour his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Reading the Bible we are taught that those who are wise pursue peace by producing the good fruits of Holy Spirit…. meekness, purity, gentleness, mercy, impartiality, and sincerity while avoiding bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, and deception. The Bible further reminds us to “mind our own affairs” in the pursuit of a life spent submitting to the will of God, serving Him, I think this is particularly difficult today. 

So many things compete for our time and attention, relentlessly enticing us to get involved and form opinions regarding various causes and people. This includes everything from the 24-hour news cycle, to celebrities and politicians espousing their views on every part of life, to the constant barrage of social media updates that display carefully curated lives through sharing, tweeting, and liking. I’m becoming more aware that , these activities occupy us with moments at the expense of the better things we could be doing with Jesus, and often they are simply idle curiosities and inconsequential matters designed to occupy and entertain us. the life that Jesus Christ produces in those who follow Him speaks of simplicity and peace, and reveals the beauty of a life of quiet faith in the Savior. 

It is this life Paul had in mind when he instructed us to pray for our nation's leaders, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." And then he adds a most valuable bit of information: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).  Inwardly Quiet, calm, stoic, these are attributes to pray for. And know too that although Apostle Peter often reacted the opposite calm or quiet in spirit he was loved and forgiven by Jesus, set on the right path for God’s kingdom work. God is not commending the introverts over the outgoing or suggesting that the shy are more spiritual than the talkative.

Quietness of spirit is not about how many or few words we utter every day; it is all about humility, kindness, and the willingness to yield to others for the sake of God’s kingdom on earth. 

David speaks in Psalm 131 of the evil of arrogance, Pride is a loud attribute. It makes a lot of noise in its desire to draw attention to itself and get its own way. We see in this Psalm the quietness of maturity.

As we become immersed in the word of God, praying with Holy Spirit, we learn His way of responding, Our Lord Jesus not only calls us to a quiet life, but He modelled it while He was here on the earth. 

The first thirty years of His life Jesus lived a quiet, simple life, working as a carpenter in Nazareth, rather than move to Jerusalem and make a name for Himself.  Later, once His ministry began and His miracles could not be hidden, still Jesus refused to publicly reveal that He was the Messiah and warned His disciples not to make Him known. And when the Christ went to the cross He fulfilled those poignant words of Isaiah, who wrote, "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).  Even after His resurrection, Jesus Christ, the king of kings, made no public display of Himself, but quietly appeared to His disciples and friends. 

As with our Saviour, so with us. The closer we walk with Christ, the more desirable His quiet life becomes. The righteousness of Christ is produced in quiet, peaceful lives – the lives of people who work hard, people who live responsibly, people who express humility in their dealings with others, who have no need to make a big splash and draw attention to themselves. 

The Bible tells us, Colossians 3:1-3 NASB1995 ”Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.“ 

Friend, Pray to the Lord for wisdom regarding these things in your own life. And be reminded, it is only through Christ and the power of Holy Spirit that we can do anything, all to the glory of God!