Introduction : A story of a rich man who wanted to buy a picture for his peace of mind . . . a bird that had built a nest in a tree next to a waterfall.
1. Greed and peace of mind. 1) A married couple in the Garden of Eden with the possibility of being the most peaceful. They were peaceful before the devil planted greed in them (Ge 2:8). 2) Jesus did not lose peace of mind because He had no greed (Php 2:6,7). 3) We can have peace of mind when we have self - control, give thanks, and rejoice over what we have. We can be free from resentment, envy, jealousy, and anger (1 Co 9:25; Php 4:4-7; Jas 5:9; 1 Ti 6:6-8).
2. Guilt and peace of mind. 1) Violating a commandment brings pain to the mind. When we break the law, our conscience is troubled (Ro 7:22-24). 2) There is no peace in the evil heart (Isa 48:22). 3) Repentance, forgiveness, and righteousness restore peace of mind (Isa 38:17; 1 Jn 1:9).
3. The right relationship with God. 1) God: (1) Creates and reigns over the universe and everything in it (Isa 37:16). (2) Manages history (Rev 1:8). (3) Controls the life and death of humanity (1 Sa 2:6,7). (4) Is the absolute Sovereign (1 Ch 29:11,12). 2) Those who disregard or rebel against God have no peace (Ps 127:1,2; Jer 2:12-13, 19; Job 22:21).
4. The right relationship with neighbors. 1) Trouble with neighbors disturbs peace of mind. (1) Trouble with parents (Pr 19:26; 23:25). (2) Trouble between a married couple (Pr 17:1; 15:17; Col 3:18.19). (3) Trouble with children (Pr 10:1; 29:17; Eph 6:4). (4) Trouble with neighbors (Pr 10:12; Php 2:3; Eph 4:2,3). 2) The law or grace? (1) The relationship of the law and broken peace. It strips, slanders, blames, and tramples on each other (Jas 4:1; Pr 6:17; 1 Pe 2:1). (2) The relationship of grace and peace - It covers, heals, cleanses, gives, and spares each other (Eph 2:8; Heb 12:14-15; Ro 15:1,2; 13:10; 12:18; 1 Pe 4:8).
Conclusion : It takes effort to have peace of mind. 1) Try to be close to God - through the Word, prayer, meditation, praise, and worship. 2) Be on your guard against sin and the secular greed of the world. 3) Try to have good human relationships. |