Reality CheckEsimerkki

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

What rules your heart? As humans we can easily be swayed, our actions governed, and our minds changed by different things that we allow to “rule” us. What rules your heart? What do you think rules our heart as a community of believers? Is it anxiety, worry, stress, anger or things like unforgiveness ruling over us? We need to allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts, not only as individuals but as a community, both in the local church and worldwide. 

Disciples of Jesus - all believers - should let Christ’s peace rule in their hearts. The word rule in this sense is a verb and some of the synonyms for the word are to govern, lead, direct and determine. And that’s what we need as individuals and a community. We need peace, to govern our steps, to direct our decisions and to determine our outlook on life. We need the peace of Christ - it’s what we as Christians were called to. 

How can we attain such peace?

Once again, Paul gives us some practical pointers and tips. Let us be a people who let the message of Christ dwell among [us] richly, let us teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in [our] hearts. And let us as a people of God do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Take some time out today, even if you can only manage a few minutes and spend some time quieting your heart before the Father, ask for His peace to rule in your heart today. Listen to a worship song, read a passage of scripture. Be intentional about seeking His peace.