Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15
Catherine, Dan and Matheo were the main characters of a movie I watched a few days ago. Catherine had heeded the call of God to be a missionary, working as a medical doctor in a remote village which was controlled by Arab warlords. The village was in constant attacks. Catherine’s father had asked Dan, a military officer, to go and convince her to return home. A few days later, Dan landed in a nearby town and straight went to ask for directions. He met a man named Matheo.
Matheo was also a medical doctor working with Catherine. His prayer was that God would open a way for him to ship medical supplies to the village. Matheo convinced Dan to allow him to use the aeroplane to ship the supplies. The two men flew right into the woods and landed close to the village. The village was burnt down the previous day and the men had been taken away, only the women and children were remaining. They sheltered in a few huts that were left standing.
Dan could not understand how Catherine would leave her ‘safe’ town and go to such a place in the name of others. He tried to convince her otherwise but she resisted the idea of fleeing to a safe place. Her heart was pleased to serve the Lord in a place where there was no peace at all. The only thing that would make her go was if the entire village was evacuated which was close to impossible. Catherine stood on the promise of God and the peace of Christ.
The Ruler And The Vocation
Writing to the church in Colossae, Paul says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful,” (Colossians 3:15). From these words, we get a few imminent ideas that are very important. First, the peace is of God, “Let the peace of God”. Jesus before he left the disciples said, “…my peace I give unto you…” This is what is called the “peace that surpasses all human understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). This peace of God is different from the peace of man that is determined by situations.
Secondly, this peace of God is a vocation and not a vacation. It is not a place where we retreat when conditions are right. No. This peace is a calling, a permanent position. Finally, Paul says, this peace should be allowed to rule our hearts. In other words, this peace is an authority, a ruler. Paul refers to this peace of Christ as both a guide and a keeper. That means that we can rest and be kept by the peace of Christ.
A World Of Turmoil
How easy is it in the world to be afraid and to lose hope? Where in this world is a haven for anyone to hide? We are fed daily with news of death by, floods, divorce, terrorist attacks, rape cases and much more. The terror groups are becoming more and more. One can die for anything. You can die for your beautiful wife, or your money, you can die for your faith, you can even die for nothing! There is no safety in the world (Luke 12:13-21).
Christianity does not insulate us from situations that compromise our lives. No. Yet Christ calls us to peace, a peace that is not determined by the situations that we go through. We know that we can allow peace to rule our hearts and have the assurance of safety. We also know that even when everything including life is gone we are with the Lord and we belong to God. We are called to peace! (Mark 6:31).
King James Version (KJV)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
New International Version (NIV)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.”
