Digging Deeper: I Must Receive the Peace of Christ
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…
Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
I MUST RECEIVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST
During a famous battle between baseball’s Babes, Babe Pinelli was the plate umpire and Babe Ruth the batter. Pinelli called the legendary batter out on strikes. Ruth would have none of it. Babe Ruth said, “There are 40,000 people here who know that the last one was a ball, tomato head.” “Maybe so,” umpire Pinelli said, “but mine is the only opinion that counts.”
The original picture of “rule” in Colossians 3:15 is that of an umpire deciding the outcome of an athletic contest. The umpire would preside over the athletic games so popular in the Greek culture and distribute the coveted prize to the winner. The verse is, in effect, saying, “let peace win the trophy in your heart.” God’s peace is the opposite of worry. Worry means to pull apart and peace means to hold together. Colossians reminds us to let Jesus’ ability to hold our lives together win in our hearts.
Reflection
Unfortunately, some of us are allowing worry to make the calls in our lives. The way we let peace rule is by praying. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, CSB) Instead of worrying we are reminded to pray.
Praise/Prayer
Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” Praise God for this title and the promise of peace we can claim because of who Jesus is and what He does for us. Spend some time praying about anything that has you worried right now. Ask God for His peace to guard your heart and your mind.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.