Peace is less easily defined than you might at first suppose. Dictionary.com provides numerous definitions (here). Here are some random examples.
- The normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
- A state of tranquility or serenity: May he rest in peace.
- Hold or keep one’s peace, to refrain from or cease speaking; keep silent: He told her to hold her peace until he had finished.
- The absence of war or other hostilities.
- Inner contentment; serenity: peace of mind.
- Harmonious relations; freedom from disputes: The roommates lived in peace together.
In general, what “peace” seems to be about is the absence of discord. That includes disputes between people and disputes with one’s self. How does one achieve such a state as peace?
Modern Americans usually think of peace as a normal state of affairs and condition achieved via reasonable compromise. However, there is relatively little reason to believe that peace between human beings is normal. The historical record is one of constant struggle. Even in our era, there has always been a war some place. Why do people fight? It would seem that people always want something, and we are too often willing to take what we want.
Fortunately, some religions teach that we should not seek to harm each other and that theft is wrong. Christianity provides specific guidance on how to achieve both peace within one’s self and peace with one’s neighbors.
James 4:1-10
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Because we have largely endeavored to apply Christian principles, the United State has enjoyed many years of peace. Consider our latest military mission Iraq, for example. Our soldiers have been disciplined, and they have treated the people respectfully. Even though we could, we have not made any effort to pillage Iraq. In fact, we have helped that nation rebuild. Contrary to the suggestions of some, we did not take over Iraq’s oil wells to pay for the cost of our military operations. Instead, we encouraged the Iraqis to use their oil revenues to pay for the reconstruction of their nation.
Because of his commitment to right principles, our president encouraged us to take what seemed to be the harder path. In the end, however, this harder path may proved to be the only path by which we have any hope of peace.
