by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Being at Peace

My college philosophy professor asked our class, “What is cat?” Then he went on to say, “Cat is furry animal that purrs. Tiger, tiger is fury animal that purrs. What is cat?” What is it that makes a house cat a house cat versus a tiger.

I was so deeply lost in the point that he attempted to make that I spaced out his answer if there was one.

I feel that way about peace. What is the essence of peace?

I hear a voice in my head that society shouts from the mountains. I will find peace in being the person that I am. But who am I? The problem is that just when I think that I can answer that question, I question the answer and start the quest all over again. That is not peace.

This kind of thought begs the question, is peace found in what I do? Is peace found in setting goals and accomplishing those goals? I’ve set goals in my life and I must admit, there was a sense of satisfaction when I accomplished those goals, and defeat when I did not. This is not an argument against setting goals, but against trying to find peace in my actions.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 English Standard Version

Sin has robbed us of peace and caused a deep hunger for it in our lives. Humans are responsible for sin and we think there is something that we can do to “buy” peace. However, Jesus reminds us that peace doesn’t come from our actions, but it is a gift of God in Jesus. It comes from something he did. His death and resurrection bring us peace that the world cannot understand because, above all, we are at peace with God.

The face of this woman exudes peace. I don’t remember her story, but I remember her face. You are at peace with God because of Jesus. May your face reflect that peace today.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado