first hand and expressed in Romans the wretchedness of his heart. Let me underscore it again. Peace is simply the result of allowing Christ to come into the life so that the basic conflict between man and God can be resolved by the shed blood of the Savior. By doing this, we become totally a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). Notice that you are the one who becomes new, not the circumstances that surround you: the country may still be at war, the baby may still have cholic and your Aunt Bessie may still be planning a lengthy visit. Just because you are a Christian does not mean that conflict will no longer exist around you. With your belief in Christ and the solid foun dation which is provided in salva tion you can know peace first hand. What has happened is that the basic conflict with God has been done away with. This is why it is so important to make sure that this eternal relationship is made right. Christian peace is also based on a definite commitment to God's way. This, in a sense, is just anoth er dimension of salvation. One of the great dangers facing believers is growing cold to the things of the Lord. This generally results from a failure to study the Word regular ly, have fellowship in prayer, and meeting regularly with other Chris tians. Such people are generally more interested in their own life style, going their own way, than they are following the will of the Lord. Such a conflict as this can never result in peace. Peace is shattered when we attempt to live by one standard when we know that our Lord expects something else. Such conflict dispells peace and is a circumstance we must al
ter to restore harmony. Frequently I will read the "Dear Abby" column. Most of the ques tions she receives seem to center on conflicts. The husband may believe one thing while the wife another. There are differing views on many subjects. One I recall was from a woman who wrote in, "Is something wrong with me? I feel my husband ought to be faithful but he feels it is all right to go out with another woman. He thinks he has a right to that privilege. He thinks I am just old-fashioned." I cannot remember the clever an swer word-for-word, but basically Abby's response was that the hus band should get "squared away" or she should perhaps consider leaving him. While not probing very deeply, she was right in the necessity for having some foun dational agreement in the home which should be honored by both husband and wife. If you have an understanding as to what God wants for your life and yet you are unwilling to do it, there will naturally follow con flicts. Suppose an outstanding high school athlete has discovered how nice it is to have people recognize his abilities. While he is a good Christian, attempting to be a posi tive witness on the football field as well as in the classroom, he is disappointed when people fail to see what a great job he has done. This hurt pride causes him con flict, especially if someone else gets more prominence than he does. He may have the mistaken notion that praise and recognition will bring him peace. This can nev er be! In fact, just the opposite is true. God recognizes that we need to bolster one another, but we Page 9
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