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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NIV)
For the month of May, Dr. Randy Carlson is giving us, “Today’s Word for Your Life.” And as you can see from the above title, today’s word is THANKFUL.
When you read that verse, it almost seems “and be thankful” is an afterthought. But is it? Definitely not. Yesterday’s word was prayer, and one of the aspects of prayer was to “give thanks in all things.” What’s the context here? Peace, and peace certainly is something you can be thankful for.
Note that we were “called to peace.” God gives us two types of peace: peace with God and peace of God.
Peace with God. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)
Peace of God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4 NIV) Because of Christ’s work on the cross, we have the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, and the peace of Christ can “referee” (rule) our hearts.
Letting peace rule is about your relationships in the Church (members of one body). Do people see peace when they see us? When they see the Church? Typically, no. But there is a greater characteristic they can miss when watching us: Love.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NAS)
Today’s One Thing
You have God’s love and God’s peace because Christ shed His blood for you on the cross. And that is the greatest thing for which you can be thankful. Especially now, during this crisis, you have much to show.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36 NLT)
Going Deeper
Watch Dr. Randy Carlson’s Intentional Living Minute on THANKFUL. You can get the Intentional Living Minute in your email when you go to TheIntentionalLife.com/minute.
