"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)
You would think that local churches would see the need to maintain peace in the various Christian communities. With the war raging in the middle east, in Ukraine, and here in America, you would think we could set the best example of how to establish and maintain peace. But all over, there is conflict in our churches.
"Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of a divided country. There were four major candidates in 1860, and Lincoln only narrowly received his electoral majority. Among his harshest critics was Edwin Stanton of Ohio who opposed Lincoln’s election, calling him among other things the “original gorilla.” Yet Lincoln asked Stanton to serve as Secretary of War, recognizing his organizational skills were greatly needed for the war effort. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton said, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.” We do not have to strike back at everyone who says or does something with which we disagree. It may be temporarily satisfying, but in the end it leads to bitterness and often an escalating cycle of revenge and retaliatory actions."(Ministry 127 - Peace)
The apostle Paul instructs the Christians at Colosse to strongly consider two things.
1. The Peace of Christ. (Colossians 3:15a)
The peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts. It is to rule and reign in our Christian fellowship. Paul writes to the Christians at Rome: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Roman's 12:18)
The peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts. It is to rule and reign in our Christian fellowship. Paul writes to the Christians at Rome: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Roman's 12:18)
If the goal of each individual Christian is to strive to love others, and meet the needs of other Christians, as well as the needs of non-Christians around them, don't you think this would motivate a peaceful environment in the body of Christ? I believe it would. And what a different experience it would be.
2. The Purpose of Christ (Colossians 3:15b)
Paul goes on to say that the peace of Christ (when strongly exercised) will help us as Christians, to be the ONE body He has called us to. We are to be united together in Him. We are to be one family, a mighty army, standing together on the truth of God's Word. Instead of fighting each other, we are to fight together, the good fight of faith. That is our goal, that is our purpose as the church. But without the peace of Christ, we will not accomplish the purpose of Christ.
I will close with this prayer from Psalm 29:11
"May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!"
GP
Photo: Wokandapix - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com
GP
Photo: Wokandapix - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com
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