Utopia is a state of mind

How does the concept of peace in the New Testament transcend our modern understanding?

In John 14:27, Jesus tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The peace that Christ offers is not like that of the world.

Peace is often cited as a direct opposition to war, but the peace that we find as Christians transcends the faults and tribulations of the physical world, it speaks of a deeper inner peace, peace of the spirit, and peace of the mind. 

The Greek word for “peace” written in the New Testament scripture is “EIRENE”, which encompasses more than just the absence of conflict or stress or war, it implies a state of wholeness, a state of completeness, one that stems from a reconciliation with God. We are offered an extended definition of peace, contrasting with the common term of law an order, 'peace is a period in which there is no war', alternatively we find ourselves drinking from the waters of a higher echelon: Christ’s peace, a controlled calm, freedom from disturbance, an inner tranquillity. This is the twofold nature of our existence we find ourselves caught between, the temporal realm, where peace finds itself as a state between conflicts, and the eternal realm, where peace abides naturally as part of the divine spirit. As Christians, it is the eternal we are directed towards. 

The peace Jesus offers is not merely situational or temporary. It is a profound and enduring state of harmony that is rooted in the divine presence. This peace goes beyond what this fallen world can provide for us as we seemingly sift between the power play of the political leaders and the agendas of the governing bodies of the mortal realm. 

Unlike the transient peace the world offers, which depends on external circumstances, Jesus’ peace is an internal, spiritual gift that sustains and comforts the believer regardless of life’s challenges. And when we can find this peace, we also find the wholeness of the spirit. 

The early Christians were called to embody this peace, reflecting their reconciled relationship with God and with one another. Paul frequently encouraged believers to live in peace and unity, grounded in their shared faith in Christ, that: 'Ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called'

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

We are also told how to achieve this internal peace. 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, 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 through Christ Jesus"

We learn that peace is both a gift and a practice. It is a state bestowed by Christ and also cultivated through prayer, gratitude, and a focus on God’s presence.

With this also, the contrary exists; one that is obsessed with the narrative of anti-peace, the chattering of the radio stations war rooms or the news paper's A-Z of political conflicts of the world, it’s important to reflect, that this is not the state of mind that Christ shows us, this is not the narrative we should be exerting our energy towards. If one seeks peace only through external means, it remains superficial and fleeting. 

To embody the peace of Christ and manifest the kingdom of God within us, we must embrace a deeper, spiritual tranquillity that transcends circumstances of the temporal world and turn our mind and heart towards the eternal world, towards a state of peace that is rooted in our relationship with God.