January 26 – No Distinctions In Peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NASB)

In the larger context of this passage we find that the Apostle Paul is writing to Christians in the church in Colossae. Paul is addressing the truth that in Jesus Christ there were no distinctions made between Greeks and Jews. Paul presses this truth to include the circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians (those who spoke neither Greek or Latin), Scythian (the lowest class of people), slave and freeman. Because all who believe in Jesus Christ belong to Him. All racial bigotry, chauvinism, and snobbery is condemned here. Here the truth that before God “all men are equal” receives its best infallible, inspired expression.  So, what we find in our selected verse is that we should allow the peace of Christ to be our referee in our differences. We should use His peace to rule in our hearts and when there is a disturbing question about something, we should let God's peace make the decision. Instead of worrying about something we cannot control, we can let God's peace control our thinking. That's what God called us to and it is our promise from Him that He will rule correctly on our behalf.

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April 11 – Rule of Peace

“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)

Peace was a subject which Jesus Christ talked about often when he was on this earth during his public ministry. He was aware that there were a lot of things in this world which create confusion and unrest. And these days, we are seeing a growing resistance to Christian things and to those who believe in Jesus. Today we look at a verse that promises what Jesus offered – to give His people peace in their hearts.  He still wants our hearts to be at peace even when our circumstances might not be so peaceful. Our verse speaks of Christ's peace RULING in our hearts.  If His peace is king of our heart  and if it has control of our thinking it will keep disturbing thoughts out. There will still be unsettling thoughts trying to get into our thinking and distract us from His promises but if we allow Christ's peace to RULE it will keep them out.  How does this happen? It happens when we let it happen by choice because that is God's will for us. 

January 10 – Umpires and Referees

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 9 (NASB)

We find an interesting thought in our verse today. These words were written first to people who were familiar and acquainted with athletic contests in the Greek world.  In these sports and games of that day there would be someone appointed to make decisions when questions came up. In the same way, we have umpires, referees and judges today keeping order in athletic contests.  So, what we find our verse saying to us is that we should allow the peace of Christ to be our referee. We should use His peace to rule in our hearts and when there is a disturbing question about something, we should let God's peace make the decision. Instead of worrying about something we can not control, we can let God's peace control our thinking. That's what God called us to and it is our promise from Him that He will rule correctly on our behalf.