2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

What are we to make of the chaos of our world today? For most of us in America, we think of it as a new phase in our history which began on 9/11. For the generation before us they probably hark back to the Second World War. Since 9/11 many more countries are experiencing defining moments of mayhem and death and destruction. We look at it all and wonder how it is possible for human beings, whether governments, factions, or individuals, to prey on one another in this fashion. At the heart of it I think it is the “payback” mentality, evil for evil.

The only explanation I can find in the Bible for myself is this: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). In the King James Version the passage reads: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” And clearly we have not changed since Old Testament times either since Matthew 15:19 expands on the explanation: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” In short all the things which create chaos in our world.

Man was made in the image of God. How did we fall so far? Since Adam sinned and disobeyed God, paradise has been lost. But God, not willing that any should perish, sent Jesus to the rescue. Man has since been asked to make another choice. Choose Jesus, he alone is the Prince of Peace. Since it is clear that many have rejected God’s remedy, our world will continue to be chaotic. But what about you, have you made the right choice to be at peace with God and your neighbor of whatever origin he may be? It is only God’s peace that will bring stability and calm to your life in the midst of the chaos. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).