»Next: Restoration, Healing, Renewed Life
- “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)
- If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:6-8 NKJV)
- He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. (1 John 2:9 NKJV)
- Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV)
- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10 NKJV)
- ...submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:7-8 NKJV)
- ...submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21 NKJV)
- Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another... (1 Peter 5:5 NKJV)
- Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. (1 Peter 2:13-14 NKJV)
- Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40 NKJV)
- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NKJV)
- Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord... (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)
- Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18 NKJV)
- ...lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:2 NKJV)
- ...exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)
- You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. (2 Peter 3:11-12 NIV)
"[Christ's] disciples keep the peace by choosing to endure suffering themselves rather than inflict it on others. They maintain fellowship where others would break it off. They renounce hatred and wrong. In so doing they overcome evil with good, and establish the peace of God in the midst of a world of war and hate." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Bible serves as our guidebook, illuminating the path to a purposeful and meaningful life. Within its pages, we discover the transformative power of submission, order, peace, and godliness.
Submission is an act of surrendering our will to God's authority. It involves acknowledging His lordship over our lives and aligning our desires and actions with His perfect plan. Through submission, we recognize that God's ways are higher than our own, and we trust in His wisdom and guidance.
Order brings structure and clarity to our lives. It encompasses various aspects, including discipline, organization, and prioritization. When we prioritize our relationship with God and align our lives with His principles, we experience a sense of order and purpose. We are intentional in our actions, ensuring that our choices and behaviors reflect our commitment to God's will.
Peace is a state of inner tranquility that transcends external circumstances. It is a byproduct of our relationship with God, as we experience His presence and rely on His strength and grace. Pursuing peace with others, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity within our relationships and communities contribute to a peaceful environment. Living in peace allows us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and extend compassion and understanding to those around us.
Godliness encompasses a life marked by devotion and reverence towards God. It involves seeking to reflect His character and embodying His love, kindness, and righteousness in our thoughts, words, and actions. Cultivating godliness requires intentional effort and discipline, as we continually align ourselves with God's values and seek His transformation in our lives.
When we embrace submission, order, peace, and godliness, we embark on a journey that leads us closer to God's heart. We walk in the light of His truth and experience the abundant life He promises. Our relationships are marked by unity, love, and forgiveness, as we prioritize fellowship and extend grace to one another. By living holy and godly lives, we become beacons of light in a world that often feels lost and fragmented.
Moreover, our pursuit of these principles has a ripple effect that extends beyond our personal lives. As we embody submission, order, peace, and godliness, we become agents of change in our communities. Our transformed lives inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God and to pursue lives that are aligned with His will. We have the opportunity to impact the world around us by living out these principles in a way that reflects God's love and truth.
As we embrace these principles and allow them to shape our lives, we experience a profound sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy. Our journey towards a purposeful and meaningful life is one that continually deepens our relationship with God and enables us to make a positive impact on the world around us.
