December 7 - Peace In!

 Read today’s texts first: Colossians 1-4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When faced with a decision which might
compromise your peace, let peace rule. 

For a while “peace out” was the cool way to end a conversation. Paul was cool well before “cool” was cool, but he often started and ended his letters the same way (well, variations like “peace to you” or the very cool “peace to the brothers”). But his letter to the Colossians shows us that the only way to have “peace out” is to start with “peace in”: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (3:15).

While it seems every beauty contestant wishes for world peace, real peace, like real beauty, starts from within. We can wish all we want but nothing changes on the outside until we make drastic changes on the inside. The sins of our words and actions (3:5-9) bring unsettledness. When we miss the mark (the definition of sin), everything feels off. Temptation promises that we will feel good, but sin, after the fact, always makes us feel bad; it brings chaos to our hearts.

Paul urges us to put off our old self (3:9) and put on the new self, the image of our Creator (3:10-14). We put on fresh clothes every day but how often do we start our days putting on a renewed spirit. When we start our days allowing God to renew our spirits and fill us with His peace, we are ready to let that peace guide us through the rest of the day. If we’re faced with a decision that will compromise that peace, we know what to do – let peace rule.

Oh, and here’s a helpful tip to maintain that peace throughout the day – be thankful. Complainers lack peace on the inside and outside.

“Lord, this word is true every day as well as in the longer seasons of our lives. As I face major adjustments in my life and ministry, I will let Your peace guide me. Peace in!”