During the month of May we are focusing on peace. The topic of peace is one that's easy to discuss, theorize, and preach on but not always easy to practice. But, it's the most necessary to practice. In the Paul's letter to the Colossians, he writes these words: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Bible scholars tell us that the greek word for "rule" in that sentence is basically the same word we get "umpire." In a baseball game, it is the umpire that makes the final call. The umpire declares who is out and who is safe. His decisions can often shape a game.
I often wonder what, or who, makes the final call in my heart? If I am honest, it's not always peace. If peace is ruling my heart and making the final call then most likely I am exhibiting actions that resemble kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and bearing with one another (which is another way of saying, "putting up with others") But, there are times when anger, hostility, ungraciousness, pride, arrogance, and bitterness make the final call. They can sometimes rule my heart. When they do it's not very pretty.
We presently live in a culture in which peace is not making the final call nor is it ruling the hearts of people. Rather, hostility and bitterness - even negativity -seems to be making the final call. As the body of Christ - the church - we have been empowered to live a different way and in a different manner. Especially amongst ourselves, peace needs to make the final call. It needs to rule, "...since as members of one body you were called to peace."
What makes the final call in your heart? What rules your soul? Is it peace? If it isn't, it will show. It it is peace, it will show as well...and bless.
In Peace and Joy,
Scott
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