“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 (ESV)
Those of us who have been “called in one body” (those who have been made new through the grace of God in His gift of salvation through the work of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross and through His resurrection) are exhorted here, as were those at the church in Colossae, to allow the peace of Christ to rule in our lives. The Greek word that is used originally for “rule” comes from the term used to imply a governing force or body such as an umpire at the Olympic Games. With governing authority we are to allow the peace of Christ to be at work in our lives, even amidst the constant cycle of hate speech, riots, protests, pandemics, economic crises, sicknesses, losses (of jobs, loved ones, or relationships), or whatever other turmoil this world brings our way. There is so much hatred, pain, division, and fear in the world and rampant even in our own country right now. It is important that we focus on the “things above, not on things that are on the earth” as Paul encourages in verse 2 of this same chapter. When we put aside the fear and control that it has on us to allow God’s peace to rule our lives we will find a peace that surpasses all earthly understanding (Phillipians 4:7) and which can calm even the most restless and agitated areas of our minds and souls. If you have never experienced this peace I refer to, perhaps you have never accepted the gift of salvation God offers through the work of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins and resurrection from the grave as a promise that we too might have the hope of eternal life through belief in Him. I would encourage you to make that decision today — please reach out if you would like more information or someone to pray with you.
Challenge: It is so easy just to say “the Bible says you shouldn’t worry, so don’t!”, but how do we get to the point of this peace I mentioned? I would challenge you to read all of Colossians chapter 3 today to see what it is we are to set aside in our thoughts and actions in order to be able to receive and focus on this peace. If you do not have a Bible or access to one at the moment, you can read it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203&version=ESV
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
ALIVE Ministries USA
Contact us by messaging us using the Facebook page ‘send message’ button, at aliveministriesusa@gmail.com, on Twitter (@alive_usa) or on Instagram (@aliveministriesusa).