Peace. Loaded word. There are some who say there is no peace without war. There are others who would say that without war, there is peace. I suppose the people in California would like some peace right now. Fires. That's what they've got. And lots of them. Fires in the mountains and fires in the streets - can you say anything about proposition 8 without get stones thrown from one side or the other? Peace would be nice.
There are those who struggle to find a little peace. It's hard when you're in the middle of a foreclosure. When you're not sure if Big Brother is going to bail out your employer - so you still have a job. Christmas is right around the corner... good thing Wal-Mart has a whole aisle of toys in the $.95 range. It would be nice to have some financial peace right about now.
I noticed several statements, I suppose we could call them commands in three short verses; 15,16,17, here they are for your consideration.
Let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts.
Be THANKFUL.
Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you RICHLY.
and, WHATEVER you do, whether in word or deed do it all in the name of JESUS.
Peace, it seems to me, is unattainable in this life. Whether by force or by kindness - peace will never be seen. There is an evil in this world that prevents, even hates, peace. That's probably why Paul said we need to let the PEACE OF CHRIST, rule in our hearts. That's completely different from the worlds peace. The peace of Christ happens no matter the situation. It is not situational...it is constant. No matter the situation there is always peace in Christ. Yeah, I don't get it either, though I've felt it. It's why we call it the "peace that passes all understanding." You can't understand it, but it's there. In the dark. In the midst of your own personal, financial, social, spousal, family war... His peace is there.
And since it's thanksgiving next week there's a command to be THANKFUL. It's not a wishy-washy idea. Be THANKFUL. It's a choice. It's an act of will. I can be thankful even when nothing is going my way (though it's hard for me too!). Thankfulness. It has to do with what I choose to look at, or rather focus on. Thankfulness is a "the glass is half-full" attitude. (It's also half empty, either one explains the reality of the situation but only one makes you feel good that you've got a half a glass of water!)
None of this that has come before, or the statement after can be done if the WORD of Christ does not dwell in you. Pack it up. Head out the door. If there is no Word there is no peace. If there is no Word there is no thankfulness. If there is no Word then how would I know what would bring glory to God? You see the WORD is life and light. I am blessed to be a messenger of that Word. But that's it. It didn't start with me and it won't end with me. The WORD never fails. Never falls. Never waivers. Never "misses" the mark. The WORD is the mark. The WORD became flesh and made His dwelling among us...I am thankful.
Oh and by the way, in case you "Christians" missed it... the last one is a good remind to those of us who all too often forget, when were out in traffic or in the work place or clamoring for the last...whatever is going to be the hot gift this year... that everything we do should be done with the express purpose of bringing glory to God. Which just means that we should be able to put a JESUS stamp on it. You know, like the sticker you got in the last pair of underwear that you bought - but didn't catch until you were taking them off at the end of the day... the one that has a number on it. That pair of BVD's was inspected by the person who stuck that number on there - "18." It was their seal of approval. These briefs passed the inspection. They passed the test. (what kind of tests do they put underwear through anyway?) There should be a sticker on everything you and I as Christians (not for those who are not) do and say that just says "JC." Whatever you do means... are you ready? Whatever, you do.
How about today, just today, we try to live by these four commands. What do you think would happen? Let me know how our little social, "fight the hypocrisy" experiment goes!
Thoughts on the Bible, Church, life and living it to its full potential in Jesus Christ!
6 comments:
You really saved up for a long post. Good job! Well whatever, I thank God for your posts to read. I want to say Happy Birthday to baby brother Joey who hits the 4-0 today (friday). Our prays need to be with Vernon ,Coreys dad, and I ask God to take care of him and his cancer and everything comes out alright. We ask You, God to help Corey with his financial struggles on his jobs and the struggles with the church right now. Keep everyone safe throughout the next 2 holidays . Most of all, we ask that the glory goes to You on our day to day lives and we center You in our lives and let everybody see You ,God .Thank you for our church family and the blessings we have received this year . To God give the glory, Amen
YEAH! Thank you Father for Real Life and her people!
Happy Birthday Joey! What's it like being that old! Thanks for the prayers for my Dad... we're anxious to see them and pass along your love and care in Christ to them in person.
well, the day is not over yet...it's not easy putting the stamp "JC" on WHATEVER you do or say or think...I did a pretty good job, not perfect, but good. Several times I "thought" about making a comment and didn't. Thank you Lord for the help through Your Spirit to recognize those things and correct my witness.
another great post by a great dude. you are such a blessing. so where do i get this "JC" stamper so i can put "JC" on everything????
the "you are such a blessing" line gives you away every time!!!! No one else I know talks like that...you know, like a 90 year old preacher!
Hey, I don't know who "my guess is you know!!! is. But Corey, you are a blessing as a pastor and as a husband.
Post a Comment