5 Steps to “Go in peace!”

How much peace are you experiencing these days? Would you define this chapter of your life as a peaceful one?

Maybe that’s an unfair question in the current state of the world.

There’s a Christian tradition that was practiced for centuries in Western culture that has died out in the past hundred years. When two Christians would meet in a formal setting, the conversation would go something like this.

“Peace be with you!”

“And with you!”

Then they would depart after their conversation,

“Go in peace.”

What would that feel like?

Imagine our world if every conversation ended with “Go in Peace”. Imagine if the the last word we said to each other in conversation was, “peace”. What would our society look like?

I was fascinated to find this saying, “go in peace” defined in the Urban Dictionary of all places, and defined fairly well.

“A farewell saying, to leave without harm or harming. To leave with the spirit of God.”

UrbanDictionary.com

The great theologian, Charles Spurgeon defined it this way:

“‘Go in peace.’ Perhaps you are going to the sick-bed of one of your dearest friends. Possibly, there is one at home, who is so depressed in spirit as to depress you too. Never mind; ‘go in peace.’ It will strengthen you to have your own heart at peace.”

Go in Peace, C. H. Spurgeon

What would it look like if we decided to go in peace? If we made a conscious decision that, no matter what was happening in that moment, no matter what conflict we were experiencing, we embraced a sense of peace?

There’s risk when you choose to be a peaceful person. It takes a lot of faith in others, and faith in God that He’s in control.

What if, today, we choose to go forward writing a peaceful chapter?

In chapter 4 of Paul’s Philippian letter, he’s signing off with some sending instructions. In a sense, from the content, he’s letting them go out on their own in peace.

1. Choose Joy & Be Reasonable

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.”

Philippians 4:4-5a

Paul calls is to rejoice always! That feels like a tall order doesn’t it? And yet, there’s a connection between joy and peace isn’t there?

Then he calls us to let our reasonableness be known, or evident to everyone. This word “reasonableness” is also translated as “gentleness”. Again, a tall order, but if we have peace as the end goal, these are steps toward that goal.

We can choose to be joyful despite of circumstances. (Our thoughts can overcome our emotions.)

We can choose to be calm and gentle as we reason with others. (We can think then act, even when our feelings seem overwhelming.)

2. Let Jesus Handle Our Anxiety

“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything,”

Philippians 4:5b-6a

How do we handle anxiety? “The Lord is at hand” or other translations state, “The Lord is near”.

If you’ve spent any time in the church, you’ve heard verse 6 quoted over and over again by Christians. However, note that the last few words of verse five connect with verse six.

This reveals the problem when we quoting Phil. 4:6 out of context. Without 5b, the starting point is us, almost sounding like a command. But with 5b connected, Jesus is the starting pointing, and He takes our stress and anxiety.

This link changes the centre and power of the instruction!

3. Ask While Giving Thanks

“but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6b-7

This word “supplication” is a theological word for asking God to provide or intervene in our lives.

In practice, asking God to do something for us is not an abnormal thing for humanity. I have even heard of atheists crying out to God and asking for His help in their time of need.

Thanking him before supplicating though; that’s not humanity’s normal behaviour is it? Having a thankful heart within the moment of a needing or wanting heart, is not automatic in anyway. And yet, it should be the practice of every Christian.

4. Consider Our Thoughts & Practices

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things”

Philippians 4:8-9a

Not two important lines in this concluding statements. First, “think about these things” and second, “practice these things”.

Paul gives us a list of things to concentrate on, that are attributes of Jesus, and therefore, should be attributes of the Christian. Paul also reminds us to put into practice what we’ve learned in our journey following Christ.

This brings to light a common biblical concept that we can choose thoughts over feelings. And therefore, we can choose actions over reactions. It’s not easy; we need hard into Jesus for strength. But it can be done.

5. God’s Peace Over Inner Peace

“and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:9b

A quick reminder that in verse seven, Paul communicated the “peace of God” which is found in Jesus (4:7). Now in verse nine, we find a bookend, that the “God of peace” can be with us (4:9).

People in our world today, like in every generation before us, are searching for peace. Many times referred to as “inner peace”.

Peace from inside oneself sounds good, but it’s a fallen task!

How can peace come from within a conflicted humanity? We need an external source to bring us true peace. This is why we need the “God of peace”, who created a plan to bring His created humanity peace, through His Son, Jesus.

Join the Conversation; Scroll Down to Share Your Thoughts

1. During this chapter of life, what thoughts or practices are preventing you from experiencing a life of peace?
2. Read Philippians, chapter 4. Find three principles or verse that will help you go in God’s peace this week.