The Peace of God Rules
October 5
The Peace of God Rules
"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
Today's Story
A woman in a leadership position described her decision-making process for major choices: 'I ask one question: does peace come with this decision, or does something unsettled remain?' She described this as learning to let the peace of God function as an arbiter — when she was about to make a decision that was wrong for her, even when it seemed logically sound, a fundamental disturbance persisted. When the right decision came, peace settled. 'I'm not describing feelings over facts,' she said. 'I'm describing the spiritual organ of the redeemed heart doing its job. God gave us peace as a guide, not a perk.'
Reflection
Colossians 3:15 uses the image of peace as a referee (brabeueto — to umpire or arbitrate). The peace of Christ is meant to make the calls in the heart — to settle disputes, to decide between options, to adjudicate uncertainty. In the context, this peace operates in community ('one body') as well as individually. Decisions that create division within the body of Christ are decisions the peace of God does not endorse; decisions that promote unity are ones it confirms. The command to 'be thankful' is connected: gratitude maintains the conditions in which the peace of God can do its refereeing work. Anxiety overrides the peace-signal; gratitude restores it.
Today's Prayer
Lord, let Your peace rule in my heart today. Where there is disturbance, help me discern whether it is guidance or anxiety. Where there is peace, let me trust it. And let gratitude maintain the conditions for peace to speak clearly. Amen.
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