....across the room for peace....

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts"

WOW! That really caught my attention in church this morning. Can you listen to an entire sermon and hear only one thing? It's happened to me before. Today it was that sentence from the Bible in the book of Colossians 3:15a. What does that mean for us on a day to day basis?

If I could remember to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart in every situation in my life I dare say my life would look very different. For instance.....

*I could forfeit my rights to let the other person feel good about themselves

*Maybe, just maybe I could let that other person learn from their own mistakes instead of trying to correct them

*Rather than looking at a problem as a hazard or an obstacle perhaps I could see it as an opportunity as the pastor mentioned this morning

*I need not take offence at someone talking down to me like they tend to do at a business I frequent in my city

*The words "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" could become part of my daily vocabulary

The Christian Motorcycle Association was represented in the church we were at this morning. This organization has come up with a beautiful and very meaningful patch that you get to wear on your jacket or vest if you are a member. However, not just anybody gets to be a member. You have to qualify. They want to be sure that as a member of their Association you are letting the peace of Christ rule your heart in every situation (my interpretation).

How much more so should I then allow the peace of Christ to rule my heart! After all, I belong to the family of God and as a Christian, I'm sporting the seal of the Holy Spirit! Every day, I ask this of my Lord:

"Search me O God, and know my heart

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me

and lead me in the way everlasting"

Psalm 139:23,24

"May the Words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in Thy sight

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer"

Psalm 19:14

Note: We were at Centre Street Church in Calgary this morning but unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the person speaking!