by Rick Ashlock

Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice. Baruch Spinoza, Dutch Jewish philosopher (1632-1677).

When I was a sophomore in high school, my English class was assigned the task of reading A Separate Peace by John Knowles. It is about two young boys at an exclusive boarding school in the early years of World War II. The boys have very different personalities but they are roommates and the best of friends. Gene is an introvert who is a good, but not great, student and an average athlete. He is supposed to be the “normal” kid in the class and the story is told from his perspective. Phineas is an extrovert who is able to charm anyone into seeing things his way. He is also extremely popular because he is a very gifted athlete but he is not a very good student.

Phineas and Gene experience many triumphs and tragedies throughout their time together while the specter of another World War looms over them, simultaneously removing the significance of these events and drawing a sharp focus upon them. The real struggle that Gene faces is in an absence of real comfort in his life. The war and its impact on everyone at home is constantly around him. He also has the demands of school which would not be that much of a problem if not for Phineas. Phineas seems to be oblivious to all of the challenges the boys face and continually creates new ones for him and Gene to overcome. While Gene is filled with pride and receives elevated social status for following Phineas’s lead, he grows weary of always being stretched in a new direction, especially when mundane things like schoolwork still have to be addressed. Gene is constantly yearning for the moments when he can just relax and Phineas always does his best to keep that from happening.

In the world so many people live in today, true relaxation, true peace, is difficult to attain. We are pushed and pulled in so many different directions by jobs, school, hobbies, children’s activities, family events, etc. that we feel a gnawing within ourselves for a time when we do not have to be anywhere, see anyone, or do anything. Psychologists and other social commentators prescribe vacations, spa days, and other forms of self-pampering to fill the void our schedules create within us. However, for so many people, time away from their hectic lives only causes more stress because no one is doing what they are responsible for doing and these tasks are simply piling up on them while they are away.

Jesus tells us in John 14:27 that He gives us His peace in a way that is different than the world gives peace. The peace of the world is dependent upon circumstance. If our jobs go well, the people in our lives act honorably, and loved ones remain healthy then we can have earthly peace. If these circumstances do not go well, we will have earthly turmoil instead of peace. Indeed, earthly peace always has the specter of turmoil looming over it.

The peace that comes from the Prince of Peace, however, is completely different. Jesus experienced this peace while forces were gathering to destroy Him. His peace allowed him to beg forgiveness for those who murdered him. His peace is not dependent upon the world or the choices that others make. His peace is with us always, even when we can’t seem to schedule a vacation or squeeze in a volcanic mud bath. His peace will be with us when we watch someone we love beyond words leave this life. His peace will be with us when our best friend cuts us off at the knees. His peace comes from Him, and can not be taken away by any force on this planet.