We are only a few weeks away from the joyful season where we sang carols and gave gifts to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. But, now we already hear from so many who have no peace in themselves and seem to have no goodwill for anyone else except themselves. It doesn't take long for people to revert to cynicism toward people and events, and to criticize everyone else for the bad way they do everything, and to condemn government for something that we could do ourselves. Spiritual peace is an inner calmness, and the assurance that we have freedom from any disturbances. It is sometimes described as the "peace that passes understanding". When we possess this peace within our souls, we are able to see opportunities for being good and merciful to others. When we lack this personal inner peace, we are bitter toward ourselves and others. Peace is broken between family members, neighbors and even nations whenever we lose our vision of how to behave with goodness and kindness toward one another. Jesus Christ introduced us to a powerful and uplifting concept of how to act toward other people. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:43-45 NIV) Jesus told a story about a man from Samaria who possessed this inner peace. We know this as the story of the Good Samaritan because it teaches us a great lesson about how to behave toward all other people, even those who are perceived to be our most bitter enemies. The apostle Paul wrote about how to overcome an attitude of revenge: "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Peace can suddenly break out in our society whenever we take the first step in our dealings with one another and seriously make plans for doing good deeds. Democrats and Republicans can get along with other factions in our political society. Conservatives and Liberals can beat their swords into plowshares by thinking seriously about the overall needs of our children, elderly and other needy among us. We all have people in or families and among our neighbors who fall into the category of the helpless. Let us open our eyes to see the needs and respond with Goodwill. There is no peace when our neighbor is hungry, or a child in our city or county is going without proper clothing, or is being deprived of educational opportunities. We can easily blame the parents or the system, but a better solution is for each one of us to behave with loving kindness toward our neighbors. Whenever we encounter a need, let's immediately do something to help. If you don't have the means to help, then get in touch with someone in town who can help you help your neighbor. Contact your church to help you with food, clothing or shelter. Or if you don't have a church, call me. This kind of peace will break out all over the world when good people wake up and assume responsibility for spreading Goodwill. You may be thinking this preacher is all Pollyannaish and doesn't understand human nature. Many of us have been victims of some deceitful people who want to take advantage of the good nature of God's people. There is a reward for such people, and if they do not go to prison for their crimes, then they will surely be dealt with by our just God. The bad behavior of a few who sponge off others should not change our attitude into one of cynicism toward all people. Pray for strength and wisdom in doing good. One of my grandfathers operated a mail-order type business for many years. On the back cover of his catalog he always had this definition of Good Will: "Good Will is the disposition of the customer to return to the place where he has been well served." United States Supreme Court. Folks, are we treating our customers or our neighbors in such a way that they will desire to come back? You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. Or you may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 