Read Philippians 4:8-9 and John 16:33

A King offered a prize to anyone who could paint the best picture of peace. Many participated. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a peaceful and calm lake. The lake was like a mirror and beautiful, towering mountains were all around it with blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

The other picture also had mountains but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky with lightning and rain. On the side of the mountain was a foaming waterfall.

When the King looked closer, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest…perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize?

The second picture.

Do you know why?

“Because,” explained the King, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.”

Jesus Christ is our peace – the presence of God. It is not the absence of conflict. It is a Christian virtue that is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). It is the opposite of disorder or confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Teach this to the next generation with words and how you live.

Can you practice peace, maintain your composure and continue to think straight when you are in the middle of conflict or unrest?

This is an ongoing challenge but our kids need to see the peace of God in their parents. Peace is only possible because of what Jesus has done in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Tony Evans is a pastor who wrote a book titled RAISING KINGDOM KIDS and it offers practical how-to advice on providing spiritual training as instructed in Scripture.

He says that one way for the truths of the Bible to be conveyed in the home is for parents to talk about them and live them out each day, so kids can learn from both their actions and their words.

Talk about Jesus when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (See Deuteronomy 6:7)

If you have the love of Jesus down in your heart, you have peace. Recognize it and live it out. It transcends all understanding and will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:7). 

Tom Weckesser