“The dayspring from on high hath visited us … to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78,79)
The calling upon the disciple of Christ is a high and holy one. We are called to walk in the footsteps of our Master, who is the Prince of Peace. We are to diligently “follow peace with all men.” (Heb. 12:14)
There is much that can disturb our peace. We are more easily upset by things than we let on. It is very difficult at times to “hold our peace.” How can we hold something that we don’t have to begin with? Living peaceably with others depends upon how much peace lies within us. (Rom. 12:18) Increasing our capacity for peace is possible if the Spirit of Christ is within us.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. If our feet would be guided into the way of peace we must mind the things of the Spirit. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6) When we try and tackle life on our own we end up bringing upon ourselves and others nothing but heartache and trouble. “Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known.” (Rom. 3:16,17)
Peace is not the default position of the human heart. Peace is gained by a dedicated commitment to learn of Christ. From Him we find rest for our souls. (Matt. 11:29) We learn ways that are higher than our ways. We think thoughts that are higher than our thoughts. The way of peace that was previously foreign to us is the path we learn to travel on. It is a way that we do not learn overnight. By a “patient continuance in well doing” we replace “tribulation and anguish” with “glory, honor, and peace.” (Rom. 2:7-10)
Peace is a prize we must fight for. Despite the forces within and without that would turn us aside from the path of peace, we must stay stubbornly committed to walking in the footsteps of the Perfect man. “… For the end of that man is peace.” (Psalm 37:37; Eph. 4:13)