Like clothing that is “put
off” and other clothing that is “put on”, Paul the
apostle instructed the Colossian church members to remove their “old
ways” and add “new ways” to their lives. Before they knew Jesus
Christ as their Lord and Savior, behaving in an “earthly” manner
was normal, and now that they knew Jesus, they were to set their
“affection on things above and not on things on the earth”.
Above all these things they were to “put on charity” which
would bind them together as a group, and in chapter three and verse
fifteen of his letter to the Colossians, Paul adds letting “the
peace of God” rule
to his list. We read:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also you are called in one body;
and be thankful.
The verse begins, “And
let the peace of God rule in your hearts,” As
we have seen before, Paul uses the word “And”
to begin this verse which demonstrates a continuum of thought, and
then he employs the word “let”
which means “allow, permit or give permission to”. The word
“let” implies a choice or
decision that needs to be made as though those reading the word may
also “not let” should they choose. However Paul goes on to add,
“let the peace of God”
or “the tranquility, concord, and harmony of God” “rule”
which means “be an umpire, decide, determine, direct or control”
“in your hearts” or
the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts,
passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors”.
As the Christians in Colosse were loving one another and “putting
on” their new lives in Christ, they were also to allow God's peace
to rule within them.
The verse goes on to say,
“to the which also you are called in one body;” Paul
continued his thought on the “peace of God” ruling within
the church members by reminding them of their “call”. They were
“called” or “received as in a name” “in one body”
or as a “unified group”, and as “the peace of God”
ruled within them, they would be peaceful and not divided against one
another.
Finally the verse says, “
and be thankful.” Almost as an afterthought, Paul added being
“thankful” which means “mindful of favors, grateful, and
appreciative”. They were to have gratitude to God and one another.
Simply being “thankful” is a trait that seems like a natural way
to be, however many forget the simple act of being grateful for
things they receive.
There is a difference
between “peace with God” and having the “peace of
God”. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we
make our “peace with God”, however, even those who have
received Him often forsake the “peace of God” ruling
within their hearts. Mindless wrestling and worry overtake the heart,
and rather than peace ruling, anxiousness commands. Paul's word to
the Colossians was to “let” the peace of God rule, and his
implication of a decision and allowance for God's peace should
motivate us in times of worry. We are called to “one body”
as the unit of God's grace, and when we are thankful for the “grace
of God” as it is fully implemented within our hearts, “God's
peace” will reign. Perhaps as we think on these things, the Lord
will bring to our minds places within our hearts where another ruler
resides. May that ruler be dethroned and replaced by the only one who
can dominate our inner kingdom with His peace, Jesus Christ.
Next
time Paul writes to the Colossians concerning “the
word of God”,
so
read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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