The Peace of Christ
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
There is probably an unending list of things that can very easily rule in our hearts on any given day. Stress about a work deadline can take hold of our thoughts. Anger regarding a deep pain we were caused by a friend can take over our actions. Worry about making ends meet can keep us from enjoying the life and family for which we are trying to make ends meet. Our lives grow more complicated with each day, and this list grows bigger. More and more “powers” begin to rule in our hearts, and the person to whom our heart belongs becomes like a foreigner to our overworked and under-nurtured hearts.
Colossians 3 holds a handful of promises for each of us regarding the throne of our hearts. As we are joined to Jesus, we have become members of one body, this Body of Christ. As a body, we have been called to peace. This heart-ruling peace we have been called to is not something we must have alone. We are given it in the context of believers around us who have been called to the same thing. As a Body, we have been called to peace. As a family, we have been given peace. As a Church, we have been joined to Christ, who is not just the giver of peace, but is peace Himself.
Yet, even in the context of believers around us, this peace can be extremely hard to muster up. In the moments where peace is furthest away, the last thing we have is time to sit and calm ourselves, attempting to find peace somewhere in our psyche. Colossians 3 speaks to this as well. We are not called to find some mentally mystical peace and let it rule in our hearts. We are called to know Christ, and allow Him to rule in our hearts, which is itself the most peace-filled existence and purpose we will ever find.
Action Step: As the last sentence of Colossians 3:15 says, “be thankful.” Even in moments where it seems like we have nothing to be thankful before, going to God with a grateful heart for what we do have can be one of the best perspective-giving experiences. Spend a few moments in worship and gratitude in your prayer time, and in closing, ask for a fullness of the peace of Christ to be present and powerful in your heart.
