There have been a few social media posts within our community recently that elicited lots of comments. The respective subject matter was intended to create an emotional response, and it is safe to say that these messages succeeded, with the evidence being provided in the strength of many of the responding comments. Even though these were dealing with very different issues, it was clear that people held very strong opinions and were quite willing to post those opinions online. As it turned out, some of the key pieces of information in the posts and responses were either missing or factually incorrect, and the situations were essentially diffused. However, it was surprising to see the number of people who had gotten agitated to the point of being willing to post online.
Ours is a peaceful community. Sure, we have our differences, and sometimes those differences are not inconsequential. Yet we have long been bound together by the simple fact that we have chosen to make this funny little bridgeless island our home, and we have frequently come together to celebrate good times and to provide strength for each other during bad times. We are further bolstered by the natural peacefulness that surrounds us, whether it be the ocean waves gently lapping against the shore, the deer strolling through the woods, the majesty of a bald eagle soaring overhead, or just the quiet that comes from a lack of traffic and congestion. Given all that, you would think that the members of our community would be filled with peace, since we are surrounded by it.
Unfortunately, there’s a difference between being surrounded by peace and having peace within you. You can be surrounded by water, and yet die of dehydration. You can be surrounded by food, and yet die of hunger. And you can be surrounded by peace, and yet be filled with turmoil. It isn’t enough to have certain things surround you, or be with you on a regular basis. In those situations, it may appear to all others that you are benefitting from those things, but ultimately, they will make no lasting difference to you. There are some things that must be within you for you to benefit from them.
In John 14:27, Jesus says to 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 Jesus is offering is not a superficial peace that brings calm to the world around you. Rather, he is offering a peace that fills you, that is within you, so that no matter what is going on in the world around you, there will be peace within your own heart. It is a sort of peace that allows you to love amidst strife, and to be slow to anger because of a social media post. We need this peace, particularly since it often takes a while for the full truth to be revealed, and without an inner calm, we can easily get agitated when an emotional post or response has half-truths or incorrect information.
The psalmist wrote these wonderful words, “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say “Peace be within you.”” (Psalm 122:8) I echo that beautiful sentiment.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron