While watching sporting events, it is always clear that everyone agrees on one thing: we may not like the referees or the umpire's call, but it is what rules. People may yell, scream, complain, or disagree; but there is an agreement that whatever the person calling the game says, goes. As I was reading in Colossians, a portion of chapter 3, verse 15, stood out to me in the Amplified version: "And let the peace from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts (deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your mind, in that peaceful state) to which as (members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live)." The peace from Christ. Act as umpire continually.
I started thinking about how many times I do not allow the peace of Christ to even play a small role in my interactions with others; much less act as umpire. Sure, I may spend a few moments trying to see Christ in afternoon traffic; but if I realize I'm not going to make it to the dry cleaners in time before they close, that goes out the window. Yeah, I might attempt to give my husband grace at the beginning of an argument; but if push comes to shove and he won't admit that my opinion is right, I forget that "peace" completely.
Friends, we have to challenge ourselves to live out the word completely. Not just when it's easy. Not only when our emotions line up with his truth. Not only when we feel like we are being treated fairly. ALWAYS. The peace of Christ must ALWAYS act as umpire of our lives. We must allow the peace that Christ gives to decide and settle all matters of the mind, soul, and heart. It's not easy; but it's a command from the Lord and therefore it is worth it. So, in the moments today that you (or me!) are tempted to become umpire of our own lives and situations and throw peace out the window, let us be reminded to take a step back, take a deep breath, and ask Christ to make the final call. And the best news is this: His call is ALWAYS perfect. Where as refs and umpires on this earth make subjective moves sometimes and do not always know what is true, our Lord's calls are always exactly on target. Let's trust Him to lead today.
I started thinking about how many times I do not allow the peace of Christ to even play a small role in my interactions with others; much less act as umpire. Sure, I may spend a few moments trying to see Christ in afternoon traffic; but if I realize I'm not going to make it to the dry cleaners in time before they close, that goes out the window. Yeah, I might attempt to give my husband grace at the beginning of an argument; but if push comes to shove and he won't admit that my opinion is right, I forget that "peace" completely.
Friends, we have to challenge ourselves to live out the word completely. Not just when it's easy. Not only when our emotions line up with his truth. Not only when we feel like we are being treated fairly. ALWAYS. The peace of Christ must ALWAYS act as umpire of our lives. We must allow the peace that Christ gives to decide and settle all matters of the mind, soul, and heart. It's not easy; but it's a command from the Lord and therefore it is worth it. So, in the moments today that you (or me!) are tempted to become umpire of our own lives and situations and throw peace out the window, let us be reminded to take a step back, take a deep breath, and ask Christ to make the final call. And the best news is this: His call is ALWAYS perfect. Where as refs and umpires on this earth make subjective moves sometimes and do not always know what is true, our Lord's calls are always exactly on target. Let's trust Him to lead today.
