Volume 3, Issue 42
We shouldn’t be.
There is a peace that is continual and constant – a peace of mind laid as a foundation of eternal truth. That truth is that God is in control of all circumstances and that He has a plan for each of us to prosper. “This peace I give to you.” Greater things are to come.
It is quite appropriate for an individual to celebrate the holiday season as they see fit, based upon their faith and beliefs. Each of us has a faith. If faith is believing in something that you cannot see or prove, then even an atheist has faith. We exist. Current existence requires that something preceded us. Therefore, existence today necessitates an eternal existence. If your belief system is natural law, faith is still required to believe in it.
Karl Marx believed that society would evolve into a classless, egalitarian system. The ruling classes were an impediment to natural progress. His basic thesis was that man could solve all problems through total government control, resulting in pure socialism. He rejected a “God’s eye view” of individual liberty. His faith was in man’s collective wisdom to discover, establish, and implement eternal truths. The basis of conflict today is generated by disparate doctrines of societal order, whether religious or political. To find comfort and security in such a belief system would mean that, only in conflict, society progresses.
History rejects this doctrine.
On December 25th, the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether or not he was actually born on this date is not important. His birth, however, changed everything. Whether or not you are an adherent of Christianity, the simple fact of history is that, following the birth of Christ, the world was never the same. Was His life simply an epochal event? Or was it the foundation for the purpose of life? Many will say they are Christians. What does this mean? A Christian is a follower of Christ. What were His principles? Love, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.
The Bible mentions knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and brotherly love as the sequence of discipline to mature in the Christian faith. These principles are often addressed in pairs, but always in this sequence. Seek knowledge (know God’s law); get wisdom (decide to obey God’s law); with wisdom, get understanding (know how to apply God’s law); and then brotherly love (build relationships through God’s law).
This is a philosophy and way of life applicable to government, economics, business, education, and personal character.
2 Peter 1:5 says, “For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness.”
What confidence can we take that these principles provide eternal, and not just seasonal, peace? It is that God is in control of all circumstances. He will provide for and protect His children, regardless of the temporal tempest. Peace and security will be our reward. There is confidence in the faith and foundation of these principles.
In announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds in the field, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest. Peace to His people on earth.”
Let us accept His peace. Today, every day, and forever.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?