Peaceful Power
Achieving peaceful power in our lives means finding a balance between energy and peace, where our outward energy is regulated by inward peace and our inward peace finds expression in outward energy.
William Graham Scroggie preaches on the concept of having a 'sea of glass mingled with fire' as described in Revelation 15:2. He emphasizes the importance of balancing peace and energy in our lives, highlighting that peace should not exclude passion, and passion should not destroy peace. Scroggie encourages maintaining a harmonious blend of inward peace and outward energy to achieve an equipoise of power.
Text
"A sea of glass mingled with fire"
(Rev. 15:2).
Peace and energy do not always go together, though they should. Energy need be none the less energetic if it be peaceful, nor peace the less peaceful if it be energetic. Peace without energy may be only stagnation; and energy without peace may be but a form of panic. What we need is that our glassy sea be mingled with fire, and that our fire shall have for its home a glassy sea. Too often the water puts out the fire, or the fire dries up the water; but in every true life these dwell helpfully together. Why should peace exclude passion, and why should passion destroy peace? Why should one moral quality triumph at the expense of another? Yet, too often it is so. Sometimes our sea is not glassy, but tempest tossed; and sometimes our fire burns low. Sometimes it is all calm, and no energy, and sometimes it is all energy and no calm. But what is possible and right is, that the glassy sea be mingled with fire! that our outward energy be regulated by inward peace, and that our inward peace find expression in outward energy. Then shall there be equipoise of power.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Peaceful Power
- The Ideal of Peaceful Power
- The Reality of Peaceful Power
- Balancing energy and peace in life
- Finding equipoise of power
Key Quotes
“Energy need be none the less energetic if it be peaceful, nor peace the less peaceful if it be energetic.” — William Graham Scroggie
“Why should peace exclude passion, and why should passion destroy peace?” — William Graham Scroggie
“That our outward energy be regulated by inward peace, and that our inward peace find expression in outward energy.” — William Graham Scroggie
Application Points
- We should strive to find a balance between energy and peace in our lives, rather than viewing them as opposing forces.
- Regulating our outward energy with inward peace can help us achieve a sense of equipoise of power.
- By finding a balance between energy and peace, we can live more harmonious and effective lives.