January 23, 2023: Let Peace Umpire!

 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV

Most of the time, my favorite part about receiving communion at home is the profound peace I experience. The morning is so quiet. The house is so still. Jesus is so close. Everything screams peace! And then there is one of 'those days' in which chaos abounds, confusion swirls, and nothing seems to go right. That is the day I am tempted; no, I venture into a place called...the flesh. 

On that kind of day, we may be tempted to run screaming away, but Paul encourages us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. He is saying let the peace of Christ rule, dominate, and govern every emotion and situation you face. If we do not choose to let this peace rule, then fear, worry, insecurity, frustration, and anger will prevail. No one who believes in Christ wants to live like that.

Paul says, "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."  The word 'rule' comes from a Greek word meaning to umpire or referee. It is the picture of an athletic event in which an umpire oversees and directs. We will all have bad days, but it doesn't mean we must defile ourselves with poor choices. We can let the peace of God 'call the shots' in our life. We can let the peace of Christ 'referee our emotions and choices'. As we do this, the incredible peace of God will rise in us, and His peace will rule!

Let the Lord's supper help set the course of your life.