Maintaining Peace

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil."  (1Peter 3:8-12 NLT)

Make no mistake about it.  God has a design for your life.

Often times, though, people with think that this is some ambiguous, unknowable thing - like God is somehow playing games with us by withholding information.  On the contrary, it's very clear.

At some point in clearing your conscience you may find that you have an experience similar to mine.  I would ask God for clear direction in my life.  I would pray for God to magically change events to match what I wanted to happen.  (When I felt guilty about asking for things for myself, I would ask for those things for my friends instead.)  Then, I figured, everything would work out alright.

Notice what this passage says, though.  Things like "enjoying life" and "happy days" are directly connected to my obedience of His instructions.  When I align my will to match His Will, I experience peace.  We are instructed to "search for peace and work to maintain it."  This daily process of clearing my conscience keeps me on this right path.  When I do, it says the Lord will watch over me and listen to my prayers.  All the pieces start to fit together.

Do you want the Lord to watch over you?  Do you want Him to listen to your prayers?  Isn't it time you start doing it His way then?

Search this passage for "good boxes" and "bad boxes".  Add them to your lists.  Align your mind with His.  It really is worth it.