Passivity Is Not The Same As Peace

  Passivity Is Not The Same As Peace

As I have gotten older, I have learned that I can’t “sweat the small stuff” like I used to do. I have not perfected this, but at least I know what this saying means. The many seasons of my life have shown me that I have way less control over what things look like than I ever thought possible. Though I am not completely rounded, many of my square edges have been rubbed off by the natural grindings of life. I realized that I was starting to relax more and, well……care less. This seemed to be a good thing at first. But as days wore on, I began to talk to the Lord more and more about my lack of drive. Why was I feeling so flat? Was it because I had to lay so many things down in my life that I had forgotten how to pick them back up again? What was it? I was sincerely petitioning Jesus. That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper this truth challenge in prayer one day. “Melissa, to be passive is not peace” Ouch! 

Was I giving myself permission to feel less, care less, or contribute less? Was I bumping into a wall or maybe some sort of self-protection? This approach definitely makes things seem easier, but it is most definitely NOT peace. 

Peace is not a passive disconnect; peace requires action! 

Peace takes action words like faith, completeness, harmony, and well-being. All components of our willingness to grow, stretch, and believe. Believe is also a HUGE action word because it requires more than a thought. 

To “believe” is a product of choice, and we all know that choice is most often challenged. 

Peace in our daily lives comes to us as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The peace the Holy Spirit brings is contentment, and wholeness, no matter the circumstances.

Let’s focus on the following verses as they will sum up this entire conversation. They will settle you but not pacify you. These Scriptures are some of the Divine Words that our Savior died for; they are His living Words for us to eat and digest. Words that promote a choice to stir up the action of His supernatural gift of peace.

Berean Study Bible
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Amplified Bible
“HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT. HE MUST SEARCH FOR PEACE [with God, with self, with others] AND PURSUE IT EAGERLY [actively—not merely desiring it]. 1Peter 3:11 

New American Standard Bible
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

Amplified Bible
Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed, you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. Colossians 3:15 

New International Version
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 

Amplified Bible
Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] John 14:27  

New Living Translation
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 

May this blog create a more in-depth investigation in your journey for true peace.

Love, from one seeker to another. 

Your sister in Christ,

Melissa Norris