John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled or lacking in courage.”
2020 has not been the most peaceful year so far. Thankfully, for those who believe in Jesus, our peace should not depend upon anything in or from the world. Still, as Jesus gives His peace, so must we receive it. And the receiving of that amazing gift of true, inner peace must be done daily. For today’s cup of java, I present a portion of a response from my friend, Ezra Vancil, to the pull of this world to become an insignificant character in its chaotic plot.
I personally have a strong proclivity for getting wrapped up in the plot given to us by the world and its media. I have to set aside time each day to be quiet and remind myself that I have a plot of my own, which is the real plot of my life. So putting all conspiracy aside, I create my own conspiracy, conspiring with others on a regular basis to directly affect the hearts and minds of those in front of me… My conspiracy has a slogan too: YOUR life matters, take care to live it today—and not let someone else live it for you; for their public spectacles and cultural rituals! Take heed of those masses and powers who seek to make you a character in THEIR plot. Turn from this world, and face yourself, face yourself in your wife or husband, face yourself in your children and friends and neighbors – face yourself in those who stand right in front of you every day. Face yourself in the creator’s sight. That is the space we have been given to affect the world.
The world presents us with plots that may seem noble but are mixed with entanglements that rob us of peace and the true impact of our lives. As Ezra wrote, we must set aside time each day to remember that we belong to Christ and not to this world, nor its plots and conspiracies. Jesus has chosen us to become significant characters in the plot He has designed: a plot in which we impact the lives of those around us through love, goodness, and peace. As the security of this world is clearly built on shaky ground, it is imperative that we return to the only source of true peace and strength. “In this world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have overcome the world.”
[the powerful thoughts from singer/song writer Ezra Vancil can be read in its entirety on the Cafe Sophia FB page.]