Called by Command

Romans 12:18 (NLT)     Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)     Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

When I think about what it means to live in a peaceful way, the typical descriptive words come to mind; quietly behaved and calm. Sometimes we tend to view peace as just the opposite of war, and in some respects it is. We like to congratulate ourselves, and claim that when we are not literally, physically involved in war, we are “peaceful.” However, it might be illuminating to think about what peace is not in order to gain a better perspective on what peace is. Being at peace is not being contentious (i.e, likely to cause disagreements or arguments, or a wearisome tendency to quarrel and dispute). No, the Romans passage doesn’t mean we will never disagree with what is wrong in our nation. But it does mean as far as it depends on us, we will not cause strife with others. We will not be the cause of arguments and quarrels.

There is something else to which I would like to draw your attention. The Colossians passage states that we are “called to peace.” When you are called to do something, yes, you might consider it an invitation or request. But the actual root of the word called indicates a command. Let that sink in for just a moment. As members of one body, the body of Christ, we are called by command to let peace rule our hearts; it is not a mere suggestion or request. It is a responsibility.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Sometimes we like to consider ourselves to be peaceful creatures. Yet with all the disharmony in our world and nation, not to mention blatant wrongdoing, it is all too easy for us to get caught up in the heat of the moment—in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our words. This displeases you and it does not bring honor and glory to your name. Please forgive us. Teach us the right way to respond. Teach us how to let the peace of Christ rule our hearts and minds.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Called by Command appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.