Let Peace Rule
15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (CSB)
Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, a title frequently expressed in spoken words and worship songs and affirmed in Scripture. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we also accept Him as Lord. Therefore, the Prince of Peace doesn't just bring peace into our lives; His presence must be allowed to govern our hearts because true peace comes from His reign. As the apostle Paul urges believers, "let the peace of Christ... rule your hearts.”
Let the Peace of Christ Guide Your Life. Paul emphasizes that the peace of Christ should “rule.” Here, "rule" means to have authority over. When Christ's peace governs us, we allow it to oversee our lives like an umpire. This peace directs us to live faithfully before the Lord by serving as guiding principles that help us love and live harmoniously with others. When we permit the peace of Christ to lead our lives, we surrender personal control and resist fleshly emotions, pride, and worldly desires.
Recognize the True Nature of the Rule. The peace of Christ is an active force, not a passive one. If it were passive, we might never truly experience it, only reserving it for specific moments. An active peace means we acknowledge it works continually in our lives, influencing every part of us and holding authority over all. Understanding this, we see that the peace of Christ operates both personally and collectively. On a personal level, it governs our individual lives; together, we must allow that peace to guide our unity.
The Peace of Christ Live Out. Reflect on how the rule separates you from the world. The world emphasizes personal rights and encourages people to stand up for themselves according to societal standards. It promotes fighting when conflicts arise, insisting on proving oneself and asserting dominance. The flesh tends to withdraw and abandon when faced with pain, hurt, or suffering. In contrast, the believer under the peace of Christ is called to seek reconciliation rather than conflict. The follower of Christ should prioritize preserving relationships over winning arguments or making points. The believer must stay in uncomfortable situations of pain and suffering to maintain peace and trust the Lord to act. Living under Christ's peace distinguishes us from the world and demonstrates the peace that only Christ provides.
QUESTIONS
In my relationships with others, do I allow the peace of Christ to rule or do I fall prey to my personal emotions, pride, and self?
What areas of my life do I struggle to give Christ complete control and where do I struggle to experience the fullness of the peace of Christ?
