"The Way to Inner Peace"
By Ronald Thompkins
Sunday, May 25, 2003

As a product of the "Baby Boomer" generation (those born between 1946 and 1964), Inner Peace became a mantra of our age. Songs were written about it, poems were made to express it, people made millions articulating how to achieve it, and some have spent their entire adult lives (and savings) in search of it.

What was probably just too easy, the only way to achieve it was reduced to writing over a 2,000 years ago and is free. In Philippians 4:6-9 the inspired writer, Apostle Paul, gives the four step process to obtain true Inner Peace.

First, he advises us to not be anxious for anything. As Christians totally relying on God for everything, we should have no reason to be worried. The entire concept of worrying comes from a split allegiance to the present, while also trying to anticipate the future. As Christians who have the ability to speak to God the Father through Christ, the Son, we should not approach any challenge with anxiety. The Apostle reminds us as Christians, we should "worry about nothing and pray about everything".

Second, part and parcel to the first step toward inner peace is a constant spiritual awareness to be always thankful for God's grace in our lives. We oftentimes become ungrateful in our dealings with blessings from God. We dwell on the negatives in our lives and forget the blessings. As we go to God in prayer and "supplications", (Philippians 4: 6), we are reminded to come with "thanksgiving". How many times have we prayed to God and just simply said "thanks". This attitude keeps us from becoming ungrateful.

As Christians, when trials and tribulations come our way, we easily forget in Philippians 4:7, "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". This is "show time" for us as Christians. It's easy to hold onto God's hand when things are good, but what happens when the "storms' of life come upon us? Let's not forfeit our opportunity for inner peace by failing to pray, first.

Third, that old axiom "as a man thinketh, so is he" rings true from a reading of Philippians 4:7.The Apostle indicates that we must engage in "right" thinking. The internet has been one of the true revolutions of our time. It has given us the ability to obtain in seconds information that would previously take weeks or months sifting through volumes of books to obtain. With this new information tool has also come a new medium for the devil to influence our thoughts. Just think about the numerous unsolicited pornographic and highly suggestive "trash" e-mail downloads we receive daily. However, the Apostle does not leave us hanging. He tells us what we should allow to enter our thoughts: First, think of "true" (factual) things. In a recent survey, 92% of individuals worry about things that are not true or things for which they have no control. Second, we should think on "noble" things. That is things that deserve our respect, reverence, and/or honor. Third, we should think on those things which are "just" (righteous). That is think the right things and do the right things. Fourth, think on those things that are "pure". Pure implies the absence of moral defilement. Pure thoughts result in pure minds and action.  Fifth, think of "lovely" things. Notice this word is used no where else in the new testament. He calls us to think of love. And sixth, we are told to think of things of "good report". Good report simply refers to we should think (and speak) of those things fit for God's hear.

Finally, Paul says we as Christian should meditate on those things which are worthy of God's praise.

In his closing admonition to the Church of Christ at Philippi, the Apostle Paul says confidently, "follow me as I follow Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). He assured the congregation (and us) the result of the above advise was "the God of Peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9).

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