“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
We are in the month of ‘thanksgiving’ and if you were able to celebrate a meal together with family last Thursday, you should feel blessed to be at peace with your family members. The international news cycle is replete with accounts of conflict, yet Colossians 3:15 admonishes us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” We must pray for and pursue peace in our families, communities, and nations as Christ ambassadors.
The city of Geneva, Switzerland, is considered the peace capital of the world, hosting the United Nations and other international organizations with a mandate to promote peace. Switzerland is also considered ‘neutral ground’ for negotiating peace deals. Yet the allure of peace is also tangible in everyday Swiss culture. It is evident in their efficiency, which requires working together. Their governance system and rotating presidency also speak of agreement or oneness. Peace is even epitomized in navigating traffic, where drivers automatically and calmly alternate when required.
Believers, God has given us an even better road map to achieve peace in Colossians 3:
- Refocus your heart on things above, where Christ is (verse 1)
- Rid yourself of your earthly nature of greed, evil desires, anger, rage, and malice (verses 5,6)
- Renew your thinking with knowledge from our Creator (verses 9,10)
- Richly dwell in the Word of God, teaching and admonishing each other in love (verse 15)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 – NIV), and you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Consider yourself blessed when you are at peace! It is God’s ultimate blessing.
Read: Psalm 29:11; John 16:33
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 135:1-12; 2 Peter 1; Daniel 2:24-49; Daniel 3:1-12
