Early American

My Mom and Dad were routinely changing the decor in their house. Mom was an Early American-style girl. Dad was an “I can do that” kind of craftsman. Their home was filled with federal eagles and “colonel pine” stained furniture, most of which Dad built or antiques he refurbished.

 Mom would be inspired by what a room could look like with a new color or wallpaper, then leap into the transformation. It would not be long before Dad would be involved. These “updates” occurred until they were in their eighties. The last room renovated was a small bathroom. There was a problem. Neither of them could see well. The result was a clear statement of their creativity and diminishing eyesight. The walls were all painted but not well covered. To their sight, the walls looked fine. But it was the worst painting they had ever done. The DIY duo did all the painting actions but could not see the quality of their work. 

Over the last two months, I have been pondering through Romans chapter 7. I get the big picture of what Paul is saying, but this chapter leaves me bewildered. Because of his great intellect and far different culture, I stagger as I try to get a clear view of his wisdom and insight into how the Kingdom works in my time and culture. I have read what the commentators have said, and that is helpful. But there is something in me that will not rest until I can sift his thoughts through my thoughts and into my words. These are essential words, and I want to know them.

Chapters five and six of Romans are clear; sin is always about death and dying. If I am under the control of sin, I am under the supervision of death. I am dead. I am dying. The law tells me why my life is so stinking, dumping miserable. If I do not know I have a life defect, I will not correctly diagnose my feelings of that death. This picture brings to mind the image of zombies, the walking dead. I believe a person can come to a self-manufactured peaceful place in life. There is no need for a Savior in that pseudo-peaceful place because life has a “feeling” of peace. But peace is not a feeling. Such peace is up and down, depending on how well I can convince myself of the meaning of the season’s turmoil.

God offers the same peace Adam and Eve had in the Garden of Eden before the Fall. That peace was dependent upon the presence of God. For the follower of Jesus, Jesus does not dispense peace; He is the peace. His presence in my life is my peace. No matter the tribulation of the moment, He is at peace in me, and I can draw on that peace.

When God’s Word reveals our motives and actions, we have vivid sight to see more clearly ourselves. We have tried to be “good” or “better” people, but the law gives clarity of view and thus reveals the flaws of our best efforts. Self-manufactured (or reasoned) peace is a faux-peace. It has an appearance but lacks the substance of peace. In the dark, all looks fine, even healthy. But not in the light!!! That is what the Holy Spirit does with the Word of God. The Word, administered by the Holy Spirit, allows us to see ourselves clearly. The difference between what we consider acceptable and what God thinks is acceptable becomes staggeringly vivid. For those who have found their peace lacking, there is a brilliant rising of the truth that peace is not a feeling of comfort or control but a person, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace.

There are times when knowing peace is an act of faith, not calmness. Sometimes it is necessary to step into peace rather than plead for peace to envelop us.

As seen in his letter to Galatian Christians, the Apostle Paul announces that “peace” is a “fruit of the Spirit.” Followers of Jesus do not have to ask for peace; it has already been given to them. We must discover what is cutting us off from what is already present. The absence of peace signifies an unnecessary gap between Jesus and me. Remove the gap and restore the flow.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.  John 14:27 New International Version

Photo – An old slide picture of our oldest daughter and her first two cousins, LeighAnn and Amy. It was taken in my parents living room. Notice the Early American décor.