His Calm. Colossians 3:15. The game of life is underway! The play is in full swing! We've long since passed the starting line; we're more than halfway to the finish. There is much to attract and distract on every side; there is jeering and praise. Temptation is always present to lure us into side-line disputes involving politics, business, and worthless pleasures in the light of eternity. The child of God has an “umpire” whose rules he should follow if he wants to avoid controversy and defeat. “The peace of God” is the umpire, the judge who watches over every action daily. It’s not hard to realize all is not well when that peace is absent. I must pause and reconsider what I have done or plan to do to determine which is better.
The peace of God rules in our hearts when we are surrendered to God’s will without reservations. Peace unifies our body, soul, and spirit to obey our Lord and do His will from our hearts. Living in peace does not mean all obstacles are eliminated, or all opinions are the same. It does mean that instead of bitterness, contention, and resistance, there will be an attitude of submission to a ruling power that is needed in all human relationships – love and a thankful heart!
Peace and love work together to sustain unity among God’s people. When we are reconciled to God, our souls find peace with Him and can extend that peace to others. In a local fellowship of God’s people with diverse cultures, personalities, and life experiences, the harmony of love and peace helps overcome differences. It makes us grateful to God and His people.
When the peace of God rules a person's life, others can see it. The calmness of spirit and godly self-control connect us closely with our brothers and sisters in Christ. A thankful attitude and words often join with others in praising the Lord for His grace, goodness, and love toward us in providing every good and perfect gift that meets our needs. The entire body of believers benefits when I follow what the referee, the peace of God, directs.
If that peace is missing, I must pause and reflect on what I have been doing: is it right or not? Or if my plans have been made without considering how this affects other believers and if it glorifies Him. The peace of Christ isn't dependent on things happening all around me. It doesn't need perfect silence to function correctly; it is there even when there are noisy sounds all around. In the middle of all the noise, the umpire of my life guides me, assuring me that I will make the right choice when I am committed to God's will. What a blessing this calmness is despite all the turmoil in this world. The peace of Christ doesn't depend on the outcomes of my choices so that my soul may be nourished. That peace has been tested and proven in this game of life I live. The calm assurance that God's will is being done makes my peace like His.
Surrounding all these gracious qualities is the unifying power of love. When we wear love as a garment or a band that holds all these attributes together, we position ourselves for the peace of Christ to be the governing authority, the umpire, of our lives. Practically applying the principles of Christian living aligns with the new nature we have received. Everything God desires us to be and do in our lives is reflected in the life of our Lord. When we embody these characteristics, that is the peace of Christ in action.
This is contrasted by discord, disorder, disharmony, and disobedience that cause a storm among God's people. This is what Gnosticism produces. When peace prevails, we can accept differences and still work to meet others' needs. In this way, we avoid conflicts because our guidance comes from Christ. Peace and love are both essential in maintaining the unity of those who share their life in Christ. To say, "I had peace about it," doesn't necessarily make a decision right. Peace with others is also necessary to have sufficient evidence of God's will in a matter. The peace of Christ is always available. Do I let it rule?
Practicing the presence of God means submitting to His rule. Confusion and conflict do not cause friction between our conscience and our actions or our wants and needs when peace rules with love. The peace of God does not depend on circumstances but on character. Calmness is not a result of our environment but the confidence that we are obeying God's will. Anxiety arises from what we have done, want to do, have not done, or from something we imagine and fear. When the peace of God rules, our hearts are peaceful and content.
We have been called to be holy in one body, so we cannot let our “self” come between peace and joy. That is when thankfulness is genuine, not just words. Thanksgiving during times of trouble, despair, and fear transforms us from beggars who obsess over things outside our control to worshippers who praise in times of pain, have faith during times of fear, and hope in moments of potential hopelessness. Thankfulness holds great value for our gracious God and can be insightful for us and impactful to others.