Posts Tagged: Colossians 3:15

“Letting Peace Rule”

On August 11, 2020 by Dteb With 0 Comments - down to earth believer

DTEB, “Letting Peace Rule”

There is a lot that troubles all of our hearts these days. There always were. It will always be so on this planet, during every lifetime.

It was so during the time of the Apostle Paul as well. And yet, Paul (from prison, no less!) wrote the following words to believers in the city of Colossae:

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, English Standard Version)

I looked at the original language in which this verse was written (Greek), and noted some interesting things about the word “rule” that might have escaped me in the translation.

First, this verb for ruling is used in secular Greek for what judges at an athletic competitions do. When there is a debate about rules or who was the winner, the judge decided. It would be like our words “umpire” or “referee”.

Second, the verb translated “rule” is in the imperative. Apparently, Paul did not think that allowing peace to rule in our hearts was a good idea or a nice suggestion. It was essential!

Third, the verb “rule” is in the present tense. This is a bit tricky to unpack for those of us who speak English, but the tenses in Greek (as in many languages) does not deal primarily with the time of an action, but with how the action is perceived. The present tense often suggests ongoing, repetitive, or continual action. So, the fact that the verb “rule” is in the present tense indicates that the peace of Christ is not a flash in pan. It is to be our permanent activity.

Of course, for the Christ-follower, peace is one of the many wonderful gifts given to us in Christ, we must allow that peace to rule in our hearts. Too often, I’m afraid that I let everything else but the peace of Christ control my heart. But that isn’t Christ’s fault. It is mine.

I am going to conclude with the somewhat dated (and ferociously British) words of F.B. Meyer concerning Colossians 3:15. His words still pack a punch.

“The peace of God is the peace of the Divine nature — the very tranquillity which prevails in the heart of the God of Peace. It was of this that Jesus spoke when He said, “My peace I give unto you”; for His own being was filled and blessed with it during His earthly career. In each of us may be a sea of glass, reflecting on its pellucid and tranquil bosom the untroubled calm and rest, which are unspeakable because eternal and Divine. “The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always.”

            There are three things against which we must ever be on our guard, lest they rob us of our peace. First, unconfessed sin; second, worry; third, the permission of an unrebuked selfish principle. . . .

            The apostle says, Let it rule. The Greek word means arbitrate. Whenever there is a doubtful issue to be decided, and by one course your peace may be disturbed, whilst by another it may be maintained, choose those things that make for peace, whether for yourselves or others. Let God’s peace act as umpire.

            At the same time, this does not mean peace at any price. When the cause of truth is assailed, or the rights of others invaded, we must stand up boldly and strongly for Righteousness.”

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