God has called us to live in peace. (I Corinth.7:15)

As children of God, we are entitled to a life of peace. God has promised us a life of peace but there are certain conditions to be fulfilled in order to inherit this peace. In Isaiah 5:7 we read "There is no peace to the wicked." The first pre requisite is a pure heart where God reigns as monarch. 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." (John 14:27.). Jesus is the source of all peace. He assures us that He will give us the peace but we must not be troubled and we must not be scared. If one is filled with genuine love for Christ, he/she will trust Him who will take care of all situations in life. So he will not be troubled in any context. Neither will he be scared of anything. Fear of future and excessive ambitions will not trouble the heart that believes in the guidance and plan of God. Adam and Eve who were secure and peaceful in the beginning, aspired for things which lay beyond God's divine plan for them. So they were expelled from the abode of peace .If our aspirations are within the limit of God's will, our peace will not be shattered. Undue importance given to acquisition of name, fame and wealth will disturb our inner peace. Ambitions contrary to His will can wreck one's peace.

Money and wealth can not give peace. Where the hoarding tendency dominates, there will be fear of losing what was saved and reluctance to share what has been painfully hoarded. Therefore the heart of a hoarder can never rest. When the heart is focused on wealth and possession, fear and greed fills the heart and flushes peace. When the heart is focused on the Prince of Peace, peace floods the mind and heart.

In Psalm 85:10 we read,"Righteousness and peace kiss each other.". When a person loves God and follows His precepts, he will be righteous in all his ways. Consequently, he will be peaceful. Without righteousness, one can not be peaceful. His heart will be filled with strife, doubt, fear, conflict and guilt. David Livingstone said, "I will place no value on anything that I possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ." Hence if we are clear about priorities, we will be peaceful.

Doing the right things in the wrong way can destroy peace. Even involvement in ministry, can be dangerous and lead to pride, rivalry and consequent loss of peace, if the sole objective is not to glorify God. God must be pleased with God's work. If self is glorified under the guise of ministry, it will usher dire consequences. God will not be glorified and people will not be won for Christ. In such situations there will be no peace.

A person who is filled with envy, jealousy, pride, rivalry and aggressive craze for power can never be peaceful. Peace is essential for a healthy life. In Proverbs 14:30 we read that "A heart at peace gives life to the body." Even doctors advocate peaceful life for good health.

A doctor's advice to a person with heart ailment was, "Do not race in life. Be moderate in everything. Otherwise, you will have problem." We have to seek peace and preserve it. Unless we are resolved to seek peace and ask God to help us in our efforts, we can not live in peace.

"Whoever would love life and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good, he must seek peace and preserve it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." (I Peter3:10-12)