DEC 4

Colossians 3:15
Memorise Philippians 4:6-7
“…the peace of God rule in your hearts…”

Paul exhorted the Colossians to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful”. He instructed them on how they ought to relate to the brethren in the church, that the peace of God ought to be the guiding factor in all of their relationships. This world seeks to achieve world peace, but often by means that require spiritual compromise. For example, many seek peace by treating all religions as one, and thus attempt to eradicate religion as a source of conflict. However we know that there is only one God. No, the peace mentioned here is the peace of God that only believers possess (Romans 5:1), the peace that stems not only from knowing that we are reconciled to God, but the peace that comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in every heart. It is thus an amazing peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), because it causes very different individuals from all walks of life to be able to come together as a church “in one accord” (Acts 2:46). Thus as believers, we are now all one body in Christ, and there ought to be perfect unity among all. Yes, there may be disagreements and differences, but as we now all worship the same God, and are called into the same body, we ought to then exist together in peace. Do also see that each believer is called to a specific church, just as Paul reminded the Colossian believers “which also ye are called in one body”, and thus leaving the church should not be the first option when we disagree with other brethren, but praying that the Holy Spirit may rule in every heart to resolve these differences.

Dear teen, how do you react when you have disagreement with other brethren? When I have had such disagreement with others, I find that after a time of corporate prayer, our differences can then be resolved. I testify that allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in our hearts will bring the peace of God to enable us to be one body in Christ. The problem is, do you rather rule your own heart? In which case, you are not allowing the peace of God to resolve this disagreement, and no godly outcome can result. Do you thank God for your church, and for the ministries that you are a part of? Do realise it is only by the Holy Spirit that individuals with different temperaments and gifts can come together as one body in Christ, for your spiritual benefit, so be thankful for this peace and unity in your church.

Thought: Do you allow the peace of God to rule your heart?
Prayer: I thank Thee Lord for this church that Thou has called me to.