All that is good seems to have enemies. It is the reality of living in an imperfect, fallen world, with people to match.
Peace has enemies, starting with our inner lives, then our personal relationships, and then our country and beyond.
Here are some that start with our inner lives, and spread damage from there.
Pride
Greed
Bitterness
Jealousy
Guilt (both false and real)
Thomas Á Kempis said that “great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.” This wisdom deals a blow to pride.
Greed and jealousy often go hand in hand for those who are not content with how God has provided, whether it is possessions or talents or opportunities.
Bitterness, said the writer of Hebrews, takes root and harms many people. Jesus was clear: forgive other people as God has forgiven us.
And of guilt, there are two kinds: false and real. False guilt is a response to rules or ideas that do not match God’s truth. For instance, someone might feel guilty because she is wearing an out-date- hairstyle or an outfit that other people consider shabby or ugly. However, scripture says that people look on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. Hair styles and outfits do not matter to God. The person mentioned is carrying false guilt.
Real guilt comes from lying, stealing, cheating or disobeying other commands from our good God. When we confess these sins, then we have dealt with real guilt and have peace with God.
