When letting the peace of Christ rule
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15 NIV)
Peace in decision-making
Over the years, Susan and I have had to make some big decisions such as whether to buy a certain home or not, whether to home-school our children or not, or whether we should accept certain job opportunities that came our way or not, just to name a few. Sometimes decisions were easy to make when everything was perfectly clear. But, other times they were not and we occasionally got it wrong. In retrospect, and of course hindsight is 20/20, we realized that we had not “let the peace of Christ rule” before making the decision. If we had, we probably would have made different decisions. One thing to watch out for, however, is to not allow fear to get into the mix and not move forward in an important decision simply because you have some fear about it. In reality, most big decisions are scary, yet God can still provide deep inner peace in the midst of it. The important thing is to know the difference and to not allow yourself to be unjustifiably troubled or afraid. If you lack wisdom, ask God for it! (James 1:5)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
If you make having the peace of God the gage you use for making big decisions, things will generally turn out better for you.
To have God’s peace in decision making…
Pray about the decision and don’t be anxious - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)
Keep your mind stayed on Jesus when making the decision - “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isa. 26:3 ESV)
Ask God for peace when you need to make a decision - “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (2 Thess. 3:16 ESV)
Strive for peace while making a decision - “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14 ESV)
If the decision contains any element of evil, don’t - “Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11 ES)
If your decision is against God’s Word, don’t - Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 118:165 ESV)
Therefore…
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Cor. 14:33 ESV)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18 ESV)
Quote:
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” - Saint Francis de Sales