What is peace? Is it just the absence of chaos? Assuming there is more to peace than “not chaos”, what are its facets? If one feels peaceful, from whence does that feeling originate? Let’s look at some possibilities and see where worldview becomes important.
Bodily Component
An individual can sense peace physically, in one’s soul (mind, will, and emotion) or in one’s spirit, or any combination of these. Physically, some non-peaceful settings would include: trying to walk through a heavy storm, a boxer in a match, or going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Physical peace is a bit enigmatic, as it can be hard to separate from a peaceful soul. A warm bath can be relaxing, but it also likely has a soul component. One can clearly insert oneself into a physically peaceful environment, but if the soul is still in chaos, one probably doesn’t feel at peace. Who hasn’t felt unsatisfied after a long night’s sleep because of stressful dreams? The challenge of physical illness or pain can also affect one’s soul.
Soulful Component
Peace of the soul can be more difficult to describe, yet it seems vital to both the body and spirit achieving this goal. The mind and will can set upon a rational course of action to achieve peace, but one’s emotions may still lead one into a “train wreck.” For example, most of us at some point have wanted to straighten out a strained relationship, but sometimes we cannot get there because of brokenness in that relationship that affects many emotions. In a converse example, one’s emotions can be under control, in synch with a well-thought-out plan for peace. However, without the will to commit to the plan, the burden contributing to the unrest will remain.
It’s as if, in the soul, there is a block – a negative intervention – between one’s spirit and the actions of the body that can lead to chaos. It can be habitual, as in one living out the working definition of insanity – “repeatedly falling into the trap of the same kinds of poor decisions.” For example, overeating, often in the face of stress, leads to both remorse and extra pounds, the latter having long term, unhealthy consequences. Even though we know this, many of us feel powerless to change. It is still a mystery to me, why, in the face of clear choices of either good or not, that I can ignore the leading of my soul and make a poor choice. The result is remorse, guilt, and sometimes anger.
Anger
What causes one to become angry? In my analysis (of myself), anger was the result of either a real or perceived injustice initiated by some cause. Injustice, herein, can be viewed as being harmed in some way. In becoming angry due to some poor choice(es), I realized, with time, that the associated injustice was that which I had done to my own worldview. I had allowed myself to be deceived by external forces that were not consistent with who I am or what I believe. One can see how vitally important one’s worldview is – one can be angry at oneself for producing an outcome of evil when good was intended. Without an absolute standard for good from one’s worldview, chaos is likely.
Spiritual Component
If one’s soul is in conflict, the body is likely tired because of the interconnectedness within oneself. Where’s the hope? Our spirit is all that remains to make a difference. Let’s take a look at how it might “reign in” the soul. I think of one’s spirit as being synonymous with one’s conscience – much like Pinocchio’s Jiminy Cricket. If the soul can play the symphony we desire – think Beethoven’s “Pastorale” – the spirit/conscience is the conductor. How might one’s worldview help reach this desired outcome? Let’s look at some attributes of a peaceful spirit: love, joy, (peace), patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Power
If one’s spirit is a wholly the product of one’s background, culture, and experience, we may be trapped on a “merry go round”, unable to get off. However, if there is something or someone greater, more powerful than the chaos we see around the world today, there is hope, if one can tap into that power. For me, that power comes from within the Biblical worldview. The key, therein, flows out of Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Spirit comes upon you…”
Herein, the Spirit is the Holy Spirit of the God of the Bible who is communicating directly, Spirit to spirit, with one’s conscience! He can provide the peace to direct your spirit to then guide your soul. If one has intimate knowledge of Christ Jesus, one is indwelled by His Holy Spirit and rescued from the darkness of chaos. If the spirit sets the boundaries for the soul, then those bounds are only as good as one’s worldview’s influence on one’s spirit. What signals are you getting from your worldview?
