Path to Peace

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17

How peace-filled are you today? Do you desire a peace-filled life? What is preventing you from experiencing this kind of peace? The peace that Paul is talking about, the peace that he includes in this conversation of putting on a new nature, comes from Christ. It is to rule in our hearts and provides us with the ability to live in peace with others.

Living in peace, that sounds awesome! But is it really possible? As I think about broken relationships and the divisiveness that pervades our society, I wonder just how possible is this peace. While things may appear challenging, we should not think this is unattainable. God does not dangle in front of us expectations he will not provide the means for us to meet. God is willing and waiting to give this gift, “for we are called to live in peace.”

This peace first of all comes from Christ. Not a peace that we can will or manufacture. It comes from knowing Him, not just knowing about Him. He desires a relationship with me, he wants to be with me and he calls me to be someone who represents Him to those around me. Peace comes from belonging to the Father and trusting the Father’s heart.

This peace is to rule in our hearts. It is the governing directive of my heart and I willing submit to the oversight of peace. When I want my way, I consider the needs of others. When I demand to be heard, I learn to listen to others first. When others are hurtful, I seek to understand where the hurt comes from. Peace is not the way most of the world works, but is the way God intends us to live.

When I live under this rule, I can live at peace with others. I don’t have to demand my own way, prove a point or retaliate against those who hurt me. I know that I belong to God, that I am cherished by Him and that His heart is ultimately for good. My responsibility is to represent Him, to “put on my new nature”, to “be attractive”, so that others may know Him and experience his love and live in peace.

17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Do you possess the peace that comes from Christ? Are you allowing it to rule your heart? Are you living at peace with others, as far as it depends on you? (Romans 12:18)

Talk to God about your desire for or your resistance to living in peace. Where do you need to learn to live in peace? With yourself? With others?

Linda Waldo
Spiritual Formation Pastor| New Covenant Church