March 16

To Others an “Ensample”

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. — Phil 4:9 BSB

It’s a great blessing when a man can be closely imitated, as Paul could be. Oh, for the grace to follow his example today and every day!

If, through divine grace, we put Paul’s teachings into practice, we can claim the promise before us; and what a promise it is! God, who loves peace, creates peace, and breathes peace, will be with us. “Peace be with you” is a beautiful blessing; but for the God of peace to be with us is even greater. We have not only the streams of peace but the very source, not only the beams of peace but the sun itself. If the God of peace is with us, we will experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, even when our external circumstances threaten to disturb us. If others around us quarrel, we will be sure to act as peacemakers, for the Maker of peace will be with us.

True peace is found in the path of truth. If we abandon the faith or leave the path of righteousness in the name of promoting peace, we will be greatly mistaken. Wisdom’s order is “first pure, then peaceable.” Let us adhere to Paul’s teachings, and we will have the God of peace with us, just as He was with the apostle.