Follow the Peace - Part Two

Follow the Peace – Part Two

    Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (The Passion Translation - TPT)   As we continue to observe the wisdom revealed in the passage above concerning peace, and it being a voice from Heaven giving direction for a Believer’s life, we need to see what else is revealed.  Focus on the words, “peace as part of his one body.”   Why is this important?  Too often we are looking for reasons to justify decisions we make, whether they are good or bad.  We hide behind a pretense that our decision is made for a variety of reasons, from a greater good to the simple fact that it feels good and we think God wants us to feel good.  In this day of rampant teachings of the “prosperity gospel” it would be so easy to mouth the words, “I feel God’s peace in this,” and it be only about a decision for selfish reasons.  But if our godly, closest family and friends don’t share this peace, then we need to tread lightly the path we are about to take.  When God gives us direction by a peace that He also gives, we may indeed at times have to be obedient in spite of the support of others.  But that is rare, if we are cultivating the kind of advisors who watch out for our soul.  If our soul is healthy and they know it is, then they will generally support our decision for they know we are seeking God’s leadership. I believe the words “peace as part of his one body,” is part of the litmus test for us as individuals to know God’s will and to follow it.  This brings me to my next point.   Do you have such wise advisors in your life?  Are you willing to be open and transparent with them, even if it hurts?  Will you share those things you struggle with, or does your pride hold you back?  Pray for men and women like this in your life.   Are you open with such things in your marriage?  Are you afraid of being found out about something you wish to hide?  If you are a follower of Christ, and His Spirit lives within you, there is a battle going on within you.  You will not find the peace you seek as long as you have a practice of sin and deceit in your life.  He will not let you have peace until you come to Him, confess your sin, ask and receive His forgiveness and TURN FROM YOUR SIN.  If you want God’s peace and the hounding of Hell’s Hounds to stop their barking in your ears, it must start first with getting it right with your King. Where it goes from there will be between you and Him.  If you are right with Him, then anything He asks you to do, no matter how difficult it is, will be accompanied by His peace.   In my next blog I will continue to dissect the passage above, and will concentrate our attention on, “And always be thankful.”  There is an amazing connection with a peaceful spirit and a thankful spirit.  They go hand in hand.