By Not Known
From antiquity past to the present, “peace” was and still is being bargained for and traded like a commodity between opposing tribes and peoples at a price. In Genesis 12, Abraham traded his wife Sarai for peace with the Egyptian Pharaoh so that his life might not be threatened (vv12-13). In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceived Joshua and his leaders into making a peace treaty with them to let them live (v14). Today, warring nations and factions have entered countless peace negotiations, only to break them very quickly because of deep-seated distrust. Without trust, peace is just a nice way of saying – “Conflict KIV”..
Paul exhorted the Colossian Christians saying, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Col 3:15). What is it that rules your heart moment by moment, day by day?
For some it may be anger and bitterness. For others it may be pride and prejudice. The former group tears people down with their spiteful tongues and hurtful actions. The latter group wrestles and robs others of their dignity and due respect. “Peace” for them is a foreign language at home and at work. A person without peace is often unforgiving, insecure, and combative in spirit. Wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of broken relationships and a bunch of battered people.
The Cross of Christ demonstrates that “peace” is not a commodity; rather, it is a gift of the Spirit that comes from being in a right relationship with God. It is a peace that understands the outreaching love, mercy and grace of God. When such a peace rules, striving ceases; where such a peace rules, relationships flourish. A person of peace is often compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. Wherever he goes, he plants a garden of trusted relationships and nurtures a band of peace-makers.
Does the peace of Christ rule in your heart? What are two important “peace” rules?
• Let the forgiveness of God rule – be more forgiving of others.
• Let the faithfulness of God rule – be more trusting of others.
Let us truly be a people of peace where Christ always rules in our homes, in our workplaces, in the public places, and in our churches. And let us be peace-makers who carry the Cross of Christ daily. Shalom!
Benson Goh