Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Something happened to me recently that caused a mix of difficult motions.  One part shock, one part hurt, and one part working very hard to keep a lid on my anger.  I am certain that you can relate to this.  It caused a break in what I would normally describe as a peace in my soul.  I like to think, and I hope that you agree, that I am a generally peaceful person. 

I can testify to you that this has not always been the case - any peace you see in me is a direct result of spending time with God in prayer and Bible study.

But so often when we find ourselves experiencing an unexpected avalanche of emotion, our first instinct is to gossip find someone to talk with.  Here is a test for you.  If you begin a conversation with someone by saying, “You won’t believe what just happened…” you’re probably off on the wrong foot already.  We think that by sharing our frustrations and even angers with other people, it will be therapeutic for us, and help to restore peace in our soul.  We even use phrases like, “It feels good to talk about it with someone.”  This even spills over into social media now.  We must be very careful in these types of conversations.  I’m not suggesting that you hold in your emotions, but too often we vent in an unhealthy, even unbiblical way, with the result being that we miss our desired outcome entirely – restored peace.

Paul tells the Colossian church that it is peace brought to us through Christ that should rule in our hearts.  If a situation in life seems to be challenging that peace, the only one who can properly defend it is Christ Himself.  Speaking with another person about life is not a bad thing of course – that’s called friendship!  But we must be sure to center our peace in Christ alone.  How is this done?  By going daily to the “Jacob’s well” that is the Bible.  Spend time reading His words.  Spend time meditating on them – they are the words of life.  And pray to Him, casting all of your cares upon Him.  This is what brings and sustains true peace in the life of God’s people.  

And I love the last few words of Paul’s encouragement – And be thankful!

Blessings to you always, 

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com