3 Ways to Strive for Peace

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace. - Romans 8:5-6

Sinful Nature = Destruction & Death 

Spirit Filled = Life & Peace

Simple, right? Yes and no. The above scripture is clear, it’s black and white so the equation makes sense. However, we are still human and imperfect and no matter how strong you think you are you can’t overcome without the help of God. Every day is a battle we must prepare ourselves for. Three reminders on how we can strive for the Spirit filled life that offers peace:

1. Memorize Scripture

Fill your mind with the Word of God to combat the enemy. I can’t emphasize the importance of digging into God’s word daily. 

2. Daily put on the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17 says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

3. Daily spend time with God

Marla Alupoaicci in her book Prayer Warrior Mom says, "Satan loves to ratchet up the emotional chaos in our lives to keep us from walking in fellowship with God. He jam packs our days with noisy distractions in his efforts to get us to tune God out. Why are we so addicted to activity and noise? Because we're afraid to be alone with our own thoughts. We're afraid of quiet and solitude. We avoid peaceful fellowship with our Savior because we fear that we might not be good enough without all of our "stuff."" That is spot on! The more we spend time with Him the more we become like Him.

So may we strive to live as one with God. Put to death that sinful nature that creeps in (jealousy, pride, envy, etc.) and have your mind set on what God desires. 

I will leave you with one last scripture. In John 14:27 Jesus says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.