Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Reading in the 3rd Chapter of Colossians yesterday, this verse caught my attention: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (verse 15) My first thought as I read this verse was one of surprise. To me, it was odd that the apostle would ask the people of God to do something that I thought was virtually automatic. I am referring to being thankful and having peace. As I meditated on this, and remembering what I have learned by personal experience, God’s children don’t always have peace in their hearts. Of course, that is not God’s fault. Secondly, although we can assume that all of us are naturally grateful, we are not always good at demonstrating it.
How often have we heard those who are accused of being unloving or ungrateful say that their actions, not their words, should have already proved their love or thankfulness? How often have you heard a father say something like "I’ve put food on their table and clothes on their back, provided a good education for them and have supplied all of their needs. Have I not proved by that that I love my children?" A husband may say something similar to his wife, then add: "Does that not prove that I love you?" To be fair, being unloving or unthankful is not confined to men only; women and children can be like that too.
As a pastor, I can assume that all of our members love God and are genuinely thankful. Nevertheless, only a very small percentage of them seal the deal by their words and expressions. I bet you know people who though they may be very nice, you never see them show much emotion or enthusiasm. You never hear them actually say things such as "Thank you" or "I love you."
Lets keep the general message of this verse in mind. Lets not permit anything or anyone rob us of the peace of God and lets make a sincere effort to show others, and especially God, that we truly are thankful. Our good deeds are important and very necessary but we only seal the deal when our words and expressions of love and gratitude accompany them.
God’s promise for today: (Philippians 4:7) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
