To rate something means that you judge it a particular worth or a particular value. Paul told us as he closed 2 Corinthians we should live in peace. Isaiah, in the Old Testament, told us we will live in peace when our minds are focused upon the Lord.
How would you value or rate the level of peace in your life? Our level of peace is directly related to the measure of Christ in our lives. Jesus, who is The Christ, the son of the living God, is called the Prince of Peace in the book of Isaiah. It is only when Jesus Christ is in us that we have peace. It is only when we focus on Him that the level of our peace is increased.
Peace can also be called rest because peace is a lack of war, it is a lack of hostility. Peace is when there is no fighting. As you consider your level of peace you would also consider your level of fighting. Your rate of rest equals your rate of peace. What is the level of rest in your life?
In 2nd Corinthians 13, Paul encourages us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Being in the faith is being in the persuasion of God and the things of God. Consider these four evaluation measures to determine the level of peace in your life. Remember the level of peace in your life is directly related to level of Christ in your life.
In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus gave us a path for peace. He gave us four things that we could do to be sure that we find rest. Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
STEP ONE: COME TO HIM
Jesus said “Come to Me.” The first question we need to ask – Have we come to Jesus? We could evaluate our answers in light of John 3. Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again. Jesus is asking here, have you been born again? Have you come to the Light of the world confessing your great darkness and asking Him to cleanse you of all your sin against God. Sin is rebellion against God. Have you come to Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world, requesting Him to deliver you from the rebellion you have against Him. Are you living at peace with the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you?
STEP TWO: UNITED TO HIM
Jesus said “Take My yoke upon you.” The second question we need to ask – Have we taken Jesus’ yoke upon us? A yoke is piece of wood that is used to connect two animals together to work the fields. It causes them to walk together in unity. The animals do not fight one with another, they are joined and in agreement. What Jesus is commanding here is to be in agreement with Him. For us to be connected to Him is what Jesus had in mind. He wants us to take His measuring stick for how things should be done. He is requesting us to join Him and work connected to Him.
STEP THREE: GET TO KNOW HIM
Jesus said “learn of Me.” The third question we need to ask – Are we getting to know Jesus? Jesus described himself as gentle and humble. Have we gotten to know Jesus as non-harsh? Jesus is the perfect picture of peace. He was completely submissive to the Father’s will. Jesus had his own will, but it was surrendered to do only what God, the Father, wanted Him to do. He lived “unpuffed up” in his own will. Jesus never had his own agenda. He did only those things which pleased the Father. Are we becoming what we behold? Are we becoming the gentle and lowly followers of God we see modeled for us by Jesus?
STEP FOUR: DISCOVER YOUR REST
Jesus said “find rest for your souls.” The fourth question to ask – Are we living a life of peace? Do we have rest in our lives? Do we have wholeness in our spirits? The words of Jesus encourage us to have the highest rating possible of peace and rest in our lives. Jesus concluded his prescription with the words “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Jesus is saying everything about coming to Him, uniting with Him, learning of Him is to create peace and rest in your life. He described the connection with Him as being suitable and easily managed.
What is the result of your examination? What is your level of peace, your level of rest, your level of tranquility? If you find yourself lacking in any way, I encourage you to go back to step one. Come to Jesus. He wants to give you rest. He wants to give you His full measure. He continually offers step two, unity with Him. He wants you to agree with Him. Getting on the same page with Him because no one comes unto the Father but by Him. Third, never stop learning of Him. He wants you to be thoroughly acquainted with Him. He doesn’t just want you to know what others have said about Him. He wants you to know Him for yourself. Finally, He wants you to discover wholeness in your life. He wants you to be free from hostility, have freedom from fighting, and live in peace.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus wants nothing more for you than for you to live in abundant peace. He wants tranquility to be to the full in your life. He wants your cup of rest to be overflowing.
Let us examine our level of peace on a regular basis. Examine to ensure we continually come to Christ, unite with Him, get to know Him, and discover the rest found only in Him.
Written By: Anne Gurley
