"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)
I have often heard people use this scripture to authenticate a decision about which they are praying. Clearly they have concluded that the final arbiter of decisions which are not obviously directed by scripture is the sense of peace in their hearts. Though there is an experience of peace when we align with the purposes of God and that can be a contributing clue to subjective decisions, I believe the Apostle Paul had something else in mind here.
The context suggests that the peace of Christ has to do with the relationships in the body of Christ. After all, he has been pointing out the importance of properly displaying the glory of God through the corporate body of Christ. The greatest testimony to the world of the validity of the gospel is the supernatural nature of the community of faith. Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has been pushing and shoving to get his own way. Ambitions and prejudices are just natural for us when we aren't reconciled to God.
We must be conscious of our testimony as we deal with the conflicts that arise in the church. It seems we are anxious to testify to the miraculous answers to prayer, the salvations, and healings that happen to us individually. These are effective in spreading the message of grace -- but no greater than the integrity and harmony of the body of Christ dealing with our own weaknesses and failures. We have a resource that the world (apart from Christ) does not have. Non-believers have no access to divine perspective, absolute forgiveness, and unconditional love.
I am not suggesting that in order to present a good witness we should cover up our conflicts. That has happened much too often. We don't need to cover up. We can choose to respect the differences of opinion without becoming abusive. After all we are a body and each member has something to offer, but not everything. None of us has the whole truth to ourselves. As we learn to submit and listen, we all come to greater understanding.
Neither am I suggesting that we forget that truth often must be defended and reclaimed. There are some things we cannot give up for the sake of ecumenical unity. But even in defending we can be kind. I am concerned that in our current state of mind we don't know what is worth defending and what is up for grabs. Let it be acknowledged that no peace will rule where the basics of the gospel of grace are ignored. We remember that the Apostle Paul was not timid in confronting his cohort Peter when the gospel was at stake. I pray that God will give us insight to know when to confront and how to do so in a way that the gospel is preserved and the brother is gained.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
