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Let Peace Rule
Brian Mashburn
August 12, 2012
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Giving Thanks And Letting Peace Rule
How many complaints do you have in your head per day? Oh, I know not all of them make it out of your head and into words (and it's a bit
embarrassing how many that do), but there they are, all the same, in your head.
Have you ever stopped to think where those come from? What their source is? What it is that gives them life and power?
When someone doesn't drive the way you want them to on the road, when someone gets in the 15 or under lane at the market and you find yourself suspiciously counting how many things they have in their basket, when someone is sitting in your seat, or has moved something in your house, or has their music up too loud. What "rule" exists in each of us that makes
these complaints?
Why aren't we just as prone to excuse someone's bad driving, be happy that we have a supermarket at all, gladly offer our seat to someone else, appreciate that we have a house, and that we can hear music? Is there a "rule" that exists that would make this possible?
Paul has identified it in Colossians 3:15. He says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
William Barclay says this literally means, "Let the peace of Christ be the umpire in your heart." When our feelings flare up, we can let peace "make the call" and keep us in the way and love of Christ...and spend our valuable time being thankful.