It Should Be Easy November 22, 2016

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 ESV

"Rule: verb- the exercise of authority or control."

The peace of Christ is to "rule" in our hearts.  Not to just reside there, coming out when things are going well or we are with people we like.  No, Christ's peace is to be in charge of our lives during sickness, health, wealth, and poverty.

When we are blessed with abundance, which so many of us are, it is easy to be a peace.  Sitting around a Thanksgiving table that is bowing under the weight of turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes and two kinds of bread peace abounds.  But what about when a spouse is unfaithful?  The doctor utters the "C" word?  Or the latest pay check includes a pink slip?  What rules in our hearts then?  Anger?  Fear? 

I have lived a life of blessing beyond belief.  Idyllic childhood.  Steady employment.  Continual health.  Yet there have still been seasons where I have not allowed Christ's peace to hold sway in my heart.  It is amazing with all that I have, my heart is still not ruled by Christ's peace.  I worry.  I fret.  I criticize.  Sitting here I am ashamed of how often I allow the minor things in life to rob me of peace. 

I wonder what would rule my heart if God allowed more trial and tempering to enter my life.  Should God "Job" me would I find any peace at all.  If today's hiccups cause me sleepless nights, I don't stand a chance when life really gets hard.  

Blogging is a world away from applying.  I hope that when the seasons of challenge enter my live, I will allow peace to rule my heart.  I had better make it a practice now so I am ready for those seasons of trial.