“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15
“I just have a peace about it in my heart.”
That’s what he said of his big-screen TV purchase and she said of her body-augmenting procedure.
Really?
Followers of Jesus Christ should always question the source of their peace. Innately, Holy Spirit-filled Christians know that some activities (under normal circumstances) are wrong, but yet too frequently we sense a perception-swaying tranquility that seems genuine and we allow it the privilege of casting decisive votes in our lives.
Remember Jonah
He had a peace in his heart as well. So peaceful was Jonah that he was able to sleep in the bowels of a sinking ship in the midst of a violent storm! How could he have such calm when he knew he was fleeing the very presence of the Lord? Was it because Jonah thought that the ship waiting in port that would carry him in the opposite direction, was a sign from God he was doing the right thing? Did Jonah misidentify the open door he plainly saw?
Yes, apparently he did.
Since we know that Jonah’s interpretation was flawed, we easily see that the peace he had experienced was flawed as well. Consequently we can glean from the story that it is a ploy of satan to supply escape vehicles when it is our desire to defy God. We will always find a boat waiting for us when it is our intention to journey in the opposite direction of God’s will. Let us remember that these ship-sightings bring into our hearts a simulated peace that if we’re not cautious — if we’re not prepared, if we don’t investigate, we will mistake for the real thing.
The prophet Jeremiah warned:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked;Who can know it? We cannot trust in our hearts alone.” Jeremiah 17:9
The Apostle Paul expounds upon that doctrine when he cites, “We cannot rely on our hearts alone.” The peace in our hearts is not of God unless it can be confirmed and authenticated in God’s Word, which is why Paul pairs the former verse with this one:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing …” Colossians 3:16a
Our hearts are vulnerable to deception therefore we need the guidance of the Bible for it proclaims His truth and accuracy in regard to the way in which He would have us go. Coupled with that we need the wise counsel of men and women who are steeped and grounded in the Word of God; i.e., mature believers who have consistently demonstrated that their Christian walk is in step with God’s word. We will know them by the fruit they produce and their love for others.
Fact:
God’s peace will never contradict God’s Word. God’s peace never endangers, but always protects. If Jonah had been in the Word he would not have boarded that ship. If we are in the Word, we won’t either.
The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5a-7
- Did these Bible verses minister to you?
- Have you ever been led astray by your heart?
- What did you do to correct the error?
- What are you doing to avoid it from recurring?
~ ~ ~
Did you enjoy ‘He Dwells’ the blog?
Please subscribe, re-post, or click the LIKE tab.
Related articles
- What God Hates (*Religion is Not on the List) (compassiondave.wordpress.com)
- Thursday, 12 Jan. 2012 “Word for Today” with Ptr Rolly Custodio: What Paul Prayed For (rollycustodio.wordpress.com)
- Where Can Wisdom Be Found? (compassiondave.wordpress.com)
- A Different Kind of Darkness (dinnergames.wordpress.com)
[…] It Could Just Be Heartburn (compassiondave.wordpress.com) […]
LikeLike
[…] It Could Just Be Heartburn (compassiondave.wordpress.com) […]
LikeLike
[…] It Could Just Be Heartburn […]
LikeLike
HELLO FIENDS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT YOU SENT TO ME ALWAYS ,MAY GOD BLESS YOU
LikeLike
Thank you Daniel! May God bless you always!
LikeLike
So important. To remember. So often think the open door is God allowing our choices when in reality it is Satan. Who wants to go anywhere with him? Not me!!
LikeLike
Me either. You and I seem to have a lot in common. We should get married.
LikeLike
*Not judging any Christian who has purchased a big screen TV or has had their body enhanced. The message here is not to give God credit for peace He didn’t supply. God knows I have made many purchases and decisions based on similar emotions, but because I am ‘in Christ’ my salvation is not in jeopardy. God has a better plan for the direction of our lives and the reason He likes us to check in with Him before we make our choices.
LikeLike