Peace and Authenticity

“They don't know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment's peace.” (Isaiah 59:8 NLT)

Is it possible to maintain peace while being authentic?

Authenticity can be uncomfortable--for ourselves and others. When people with opposing viewpoints share space, turmoil is inevitable. Social protocol compels us to conform, to be polite, to gloss over differences. Many of us compromise our principles in order to maintain peace. We deal in unrealities to appear civil. Unfortunately this quiescence is not sustainable. Like a dormant volcano, it is just a matter of time before things erupt, and, there is never a good time for the resulting ashes and lava.  The artificial lull that results from conceding to those who are continually combative should not be mistaken for peace.

Hypocrisy is a crooked path which culminates in frustration. In order to be accepted by society, we are encouraged to be polite and amiable. This often requires us to put on masks of propriety. Pretending  to get along with someone so as to avoid further conflict is just plain insincere. Straightforward paths, on the other hand, can lead to authenticity. Silence and contemplation kindle serenity. This is why one rarely hears the phrase ‘peace and noise’--peace requires quiet. The worldly promote a lifestyle of restlessness, busyness, and distraction. However, this does not lead to peace or authenticity. We must relinquish our false selves and embrace our true identities. In order to be true to ourselves, we must hush the noise of our projected images, so that we can listen to the still, small voice of God’s Spirit within us. When we can acknowledge that God is in control, we are better able to yield to His will.  God’s peace takes over,  flowing like a river through our souls.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Lyrics by Horatio G. Spafford)