The Best Measuring Rod!

Scripture Read: Colossians 3:13  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Application: This creates a very clear measurement I can use to decide what my thoughts and actions should be. I realize it gets sticky in areas of liberty – video games, movies, amusement parks, etc. – but I am still obligated to try. This helps a lot with the big issues. I do need to struggle very much if I am honest. By checking if Christ would act, think or say something it makes it rather easy on the weightier issues of life. As far as the liberty areas – this still brings the best balance to these things. I must take the time to measure what I am doing and that gives the Holy Spirit time to help me evaluate my actions and motives. Help me Lord to be honest enough to do all things in light of the name I am using to represent what I am doing. Thank you for your guidance to me oh Lord.

Letting is the Key to the Heart

Scripture Read: Colossians 3:12. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Application

Application: I find this really fascinating. Two important “lets”. His peace should rule, His word should dwell. The idea of ruling is tied to authority. What rules my life? Fear? Lust? If it is God’s peace then a different kind of calmness is the authority of my life. If I have this calmness I am empowered to move ahead with God boldly. My timidity flows out from me when that calmness is not there. The key is to yield to that peace. Maybe that is why the next statement has to do with His word. From it comes the ability to keep that calmness intact. His word gives me the principles and directions to live by. By staying inside those boundaries I sense His peace. This frees me to move at an incredible pace, instead of stumbling and groping through life with so many doubts. Thank you Lord for your kindness. Help me to “let” what I need into my life.