Where is Peace and Godliness in the Church?

The Church, ekklesia,is the called out. It is the assembly of the chosen ones (or the elect) through whom Christ continues His ministry throughout the world for the salvation of the human race in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the assembly of those people who have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous love (1 Pet.2:9).

Peace and Godliness are two words that formed the pillars upon which the founding fathers of the Christian Faith built the Church and their lives. They produced love among the brethren of the early church, (Acts 4:32-5:10). They are part of the fruit of the Spirit the early Christians displayed (Gal.5:22; 2 Pet.1:6). They are the evidence of the new, regenerated lives in Christ, among others. The message of the Church in the world is anchored on PEACE AND GODLINESS. Our Gospel is the Gospel of Peace and Godliness. This is what the Church must preach not ‘gospel of prosperity’.

Christ, Himself, is the embodiment of both (Eph.2:14-18). For Christ Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation is our Peace. Through Him, we now have access unto God. 1Timothy 3:16 says “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” Christ is the mystery of godliness. That is why the Bible says “He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Peace is the ministry of the Church. It is the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” The word of reconciliation, itself, is also peace. Peace within and without is that very essential duty or responsibility which every Christian is bound to follow, pursue, promote and preach.

Godliness is the power of the church 1Timothy 3:5 says “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away”. This implies that the persons described professed to be religious, worshipers of God in outward form. A godless church is described here. Those who have the form of godliness are called by the Christian name, baptised into the Christian faith, and make a show of religion. They may even engage themselves in so many activities in the Church. They may be pastors, bishops, or people with long appellations.

It is a pity that the church God bought to Himself with the priceless blood of His dear Son, Jesus Christ, is filled with all sorts of wickedness, hatred, unforgiveness, self-centredness and many evil that should not be mentioned within the body of Christ. Christians fight one another. In fact, many Christians find it hard to understand what brotherly love is. Many assume the form of godliness, but they will not submit to the power of it, to take away their sin.

Many people act wickedly and very bad all in the name of Christianity. Many are lovers of themselves; yet have a form of godliness. They practically deny the power that comes through being godly through their lies and lifestyle. They are wholly destitute of this great power that is in the godliness. The Bible has warned us, God’s children to withdraw from such people.

A peaceful and godly church displays the characteristics of God. God is love. God is holy. Hebrews 12:14 says “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” if we must see God in action in the church today, peace and godliness must not be found wanting in the church of God. We need to embrace peace in our day-to-day activities in our homes, with our neighbours, in our church, and in our nation. We must also live or display the godly character that will always portray us as Christians. There must be a clear-cut boundary between worldliness and godliness.

Our church, nation, homes and lives will be better when we do this. The essence of peace and godliness in the Church is to escape the corruption that is in the world through lusts, (2 Pet.1:2-4). For as long as the church shall last on earth, Christians should continue to do the following:

1.      Hold firmly unto Jesus Christ: Jesus is the Author and Giver of peace. He is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6.) Jesus says in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He Himself is our Peace. Eph. 2:14 says For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us”

2.      Hold unto the word of God: The Holy Bible is the perfect Book of Peace. It was divinely inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). When we do this, then, it will be easier for us to build than to destroy, to make friends than to make enemies, to love than to hate, to hold than to desert, and to be reconciled with one another than to hold an unending and unbending grudges and conflicts. Unless we hold unto the Bible, we cannot attain sustainable peace, perfect peace. The Holy Bible does not lead us to rebellion, disorder and war, it leads us to peace, godliness and salvation.

3.      Pray: When the society is in turmoil, the church is in chaos, lives are in turbulence, and ungodliness, moral decadence is the order of the day, our faith enjoins us to pray for peace as the precursor to a solution. Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

4.      Pursue Peace: Christians must struggle to be at peace not only with one another but also with all people. Proverbs 16:7; Leviticus 26:6; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Timothy 6:11. If we remain in wickedness, which is ungodliness and seek strife, instead of peace, our God says that there is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 57:21).