I Still Have the Peace of God!

Deuteronomy 29:19 "...when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober."

In Deuteronomy 29, Moses reminded Israel of the evil of idolatry.  They saw firsthand how the idolatry of a man, woman, tribe, or clan could defile many with a bitter poison that led to judgment - every time.  They were being told to be vigilant against this sin when they entered the land of Canaan and faced new temptations to idolatry.  

Since the beginning, temptation has loomed on the horizon, and man has faced it even in the most perfect setting, the Garden.  We read over and over how the impact of disobeying God, as we are tempted to do, has led to such destruction in the lives of God's people.  There was judgment even among those whom God loves, because He is holy and jealous (Leviticus 11:44; Ezekiel 39:25).

The people in the above Deuteronomy passage are going against God's command. They are not only committing idolatry but also thinking and acting as if they are still okay with God. They believe they are safe from judgment, as if "a drunk (person) could be included with the sober." They are not secure; they will face judgment.  

You and I have encountered this attitude from many confessing Christians.  They are going along in life, loving God, until...   Until they are tempted by something they want and know God's Word prohibits it.  They think, mull, meditate, and concoct plans to obtain it, yet still want to be okay with God. They missed meditating on the Truth of God; this was the first mistake of consequence.  They try to get counsel that will permit it; the second mistake of consequence. They look for a passage that excuses it, and so on, more consequential choices. Until they realize nothing will give them the "permission" they want.  Then they "spiritualize their sin" - "God wants me to be happy, doesn't He?" They partake and look us in the face, saying, "I still have peace..." Yes, "even though I follow the dictates of my heart."  

Experiencing "a peace" by numbing yourself to sin is not having "The peace of God."  God does discipline His children, Deuteronomy 8:5.  One of the ways He does that is by removing "the peace" of God that He alone gives His obedient children.  Believe me, this person who wants what they want, concocts a plan to get it, is experiencing something, but it is not God's peace. 

Let's not intentionally plot sin, or even fall into temptation because our guard is down, and then say, "I still have peace..."  Repent, turn from these actions, and live for righteousness again.  We can never believe like this person in the passage that we are exempt from God's discipline because we are his children.  

Don't be fooled by the dictates of your heart; if you sin, you cannot fool God.  Spiritual disciplines, such as the Armor of God, serve as guards against falling into temptation.  Now, if you and I fall into temptation, and we will, don't say, "I still have peace..."  Experiencing peace that is not of God could reveal a hard heart, such as Jonah's. Instead, repent quickly! 

Through humble prayer, God’s will is put ahead of ours in every situation, with thanksgiving presented to God, allowing the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” That is when we know there is “true peace.” Peace will never be associated with our anger, which never brings about the righteousness of God.  If that anger or self-will exists, you cannot say, “I still have peace.”

God longs for you to have his peace. Repent and Return.