Shalom, such a simple word, yet encompassing such a profound meaning. Most English versions translate it as “peace”; unfortunately, that word does not convey its fullness.
In the Hebrew, the noun (shalom) comes from the verb (Sh.L.M). The verb shalom means to “restore” in the sense of replacing or providing what is needed in order to make someone or something whole and complete. The noun (shalom) is one who has, or has been provided, what is needed to be whole and complete. AHLB# 2845 (c) / Strong’s#7965
Though we are beings made up of body, mind and spirit, we are of one entity. Our body, mind and spirit are not separate from each other; they are interconnected. When Messiah says, “Shalom I leave with you. My shalom I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you” (Yochanan / John 14:27), He is not just referring to shalom as in the “peace” many of us think of, but rather a sense of “completeness” or “restoration” that He has restored unto us. For the sake of clarity, let us take a look at each of these areas: spirit, mind and body.
Shalom of Spirit
You might be thinking, “I have Messiah, but am I really at Peace with G-d? I agree that Messiah is the beginning of Peace, but is He the end? Scripture is clear that we are to live Holy Lives. The Scripture states “Be Holy for I am Holy”. Are we breaking our Peace with G-d by living unrighteously? Too many today live as the world does, yet Messiah made it clear you cannot be children of the light and live in darkness. G-d expects more; G-d demands more. If you want true peace, live righteously. Worry is forbidden; fornication is forbidden; adultery is forbidden; Covetousness is forbidden and so are many other behaviors. If we want Peace in Spirit we must live for G-d and overcome our human nature which Shaul (Paul) calls the “old nature”: 5 For those who identify with their old nature set their minds on the things of the old nature, but those who identify with the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 Having one’s mind controlled by the old nature is death, but having one’s mind controlled by the Spirit is life and shalom (Romans 8:5-6). Messiah said, take up your execution stake (cross) and follow-me. We are to die to our “old nature” and live according to the divine. I truly believe when one is walking with HaShem he or she is more aware of sin and even “small” sins which become apparent. G-d sent Messiah to die to redeem us to live lives set apart from sin. The Path to Spiritual Peace is repentance – true repentance, turn from sin and turn back to G-d. Scripture says “If we confess our sins, G-d is faithful to forgive us of our sins.”
Shalom of Mind
Our modern world is full of stress, deadlines, and demands. G-d does not want this for us. Truthfully we often create our own stress, destroying G-d’s desire for our peace. Minor items become major and we drive ourselves. We fill every spare moment with activity. How often do parents become taxi’s for their children, thinking they have to do these things to show their love or care for them? That is, Running to and fro to soccer practice, Boy Scouts, piano lessons or any number of other activities (no I am not against any of those activities). Shalom of mind truly revolves around resting in G-d. We need to determine what is important, and what is not. We need to control stress and the parts of our lives that create it. Being bi-vocational (Rabbi and holding down a secular job), I can understand work pressures. We need to look soberly at our jobs and determine if that next promotion will give us peace, or add to our stress. To have peace, we first must seek HaShem (G-d). Our family, our job are not what is commanded to be first in our lives, G-d is. If we want peace we must prioritize our lives first around G-d, then all the other parts are then placed in order. That order is family and then careers. This leads to the concept of importance of Shabbat and resting in G-d. This was given to renew our minds, bodies and Spirit.
Shalom of Body
The body houses the soul and spirit, yet most believers tend to think physical body is evil. However, scripture does not agree. HaShem (G-d) made us, all parts of us. In the resurrection we are given bodies again. If all flesh was evil why would G-d give us our bodies back (imperfections and corruptibility are removed in the resurrection)? Our society is rampant with the pursuit of beauty and youth. There are those who glorify the body to the point it becomes an idol. You have to be thin and pretty, young or manly to be accepted. We worship sports and material things. Is this G-d’s will for His children? Interestingly, scripture says Messiah was not especially attractive in appearance. He was not well formed or particularly handsome (Isaiah 53:2). What should that tell us? It should tell us G-d is not concerned with beauty, youth or manliness. He does however expect us to be good stewards of our bodies. We should remember the body is the residence of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath or Spirit). So Shalom (Peace) extends to our physical being. Instead of seeing our body as evil, or seeing beauty and youth as an idol; we should see it as the resting place of the Spirit of G-d and strive to take good care of our bodies. We should not let that pursuit become our reason for living. Exercise, eating healthy, taking proper medications when needed, and living a healthy lifestyle are all good in G-d’s eyes. So When Messiah says Shalom he is also imparting a desire for you to have peace in your physical being also.
As we can see, shalom means more than peace or a state without conflict. It also means well being, health, a state of calm without anxiety, rest, harmony, and wholeness. Shalom, so simple and at the same time infinite in the impact it has on our lives. What would we give for true peace in our lives, in all parts of our life? That is what HaShem our Father wants for us, and He sent Messiah to open the gates so His Peace could flow to us. His Peace, His Shalom can flow to us, and through us. Messiah said: “I have told you these things, that in me you may have shalom. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” (Yochanan / John 16:33) Messiah is HaShem’s conduit of Shalom to us. HaShem sent His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath or Spirit) to live in us so we can have Shalom. It is our responsibility to allow that Shalom to flow into us and through us. Let’s not drown out G-d’s Peace by filling our lives with behaviors that take away our Peace: of Spirit, Body and Mind. “May the HaShem (L-RD) bless you and keep you. May HaShem make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May HaShem lift up His face unto you and give you shalom (peace)!”
