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As Pastor Steve shared with us this past Sunday, as followers of Jesus, we are to allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts. And how does that happen? How does this Hebrew idea of Shalom -- the idea that, through Jesus, God is restoring all of Creation, and getting all things back on track again -- how is that reality supposed to “rule” our hearts?
It is not about conformity.
The first thing that is important to understand is that it is not about conformity. To have the peace of Christ “rule” over our hearts is not simply about obeying a list of rules or conforming our behavior, and forcing ourselves to do the right thing. The Gospel makes it abundantly clear that God wants to touch our hearts, not merely change our behavior.
It’s about showing us a better way.
The way that the peace of Christ is to “rule” over our hearts has to do with showing us a better way to live. By giving us a glimpse of what it would look like, and a hope for a world set right, we are then called to live in light of that reality. We are to allow the Shalom of God to guide our steps, to shape how we see things, which will then transform our decisions and choices. This glorious vision of what God is doing in this world is to influence who we are and how we live.
It's about participation.
However, this is also a process. Following Jesus is about learning how to live in a whole new way. As we seek to trust and to follow the ways of Jesus, each day will provide us with new opportunities to put thse things into practice. We must unlearn our old ways of living and begin to walk out a new way of life. But to do this, we must be involved, and we have to participate.
So, may we see that the peace of Christ is about setting all things right in this world. May we see that Jesus has already dealt with our sin and that he has already defeated death itself. God is making all things New… it’s now just a matter of time. And in light of that fact, we are being called to live a life of renewal. Jesus is showing us that there is a better way to live, a better way to be human. So, may we choose to follow Him.
May we walk in the Image of God this week!
Arnie
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