Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays III: What Is Ruling There?

As we ask the Lord to help us prepare our hearts, look at Colossians 3:15,

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful.”

It’s an interesting question to wonder what is ruling in our hearts. The Greek for rule here is βραβεύω (brabeúō) meaning to arbitrate, govern, even umpire. Who’s making the calls in our hearts? That’s a serious thought.

Maybe it’s the peace of Christ, but maybe it’s anxiety. Is it the peace of Christ, or hopelessness; truth or lies? We are emotional creatures who need to consider our feelings through a lens of truth. For example, sorrow could be the very right thing in a given moment. Bitterness, however, will not be good for anyone.

The peace Christ offers is peace with God. We were enemies when Christ died for us and offered peace through salvation in Him. I need to allow the joy of that gift to make the call about how I view things. For example, in hope, not hopelessness; trust, not anxiety; purpose, not futility; joyfully remembering that God is with me, because of Christ!

When we overrule the peace of Christ in our hearts, we can be sure we’ve made a bad call; a harmful judgement. No one but Christ can cleanse our hearts, put them in order, and keep them that way. Anything else ruling will make a mess. Praise God for Revelation 11:15b,

“The kingdoms of this world

have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ,

and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Lord, we look forward to Your return! May Your peace rule in our hearts as we occupy until You come.