It was hot! We’d just spent four hours out in the sweltering heat at a double header ball game. As we sat in the car, the ac cranked all the way up, blowing hard and cool, my five year old grandson leaned back in the seat closed his eyes and asked Pam, “Nana do you know what peace is?”
“What is peace Ian?”
“It’s happy and quiet. This is peace.”
Albert Einstein said, “Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”
Mr. Einstein was a brilliant mind to say the least; he was definitely on to something here. I think he was speaking primarily in regard to peace between men, between nations, cultures etc. And surely understanding goes a long way in bringing peace. However I believe his statement is true at even a deeper level as it relates to inner peace, spiritual peace.
I have observed this principle in action over the years, in my own life and in the lives of many others as we walk through the Celebrate Recovery process. Somehow as we engage in the principles Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, understanding comes. Understanding is huge because with it comes peace! Like a cool breeze when you have been out in the blistering heat, happy and quiet, this is peace.
Jesus cried out, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” When we understand the gravity of our actions, the effect they have on ourselves and others we choose our actions more wisely more compassionately.
To inform the mind is to correct and in-large the heart. This is what happens during the Celebrate Recovery process. I do not know of a better ministry for you and I to be involved in that brings a clearer understanding of God, ourselves and others than this one. Then along the way as we pursue God, He does something profound. “And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7
Jim & Pam