WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO HAVE A PIECE OF GOD’S PEACE?

SCRIPTURE:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body 
you were called to peace. And be thankful. 
(Colossians 3:15)

MEDITATION:
Peace can be an elusive commodity, can’t it?
If you heard someone shout, “I have peace for you over here!” 
you would probably run to them as quickly as you could.
That is exactly what Christ communicates to those are members of one body.
The one body He is referring to is the church.

The question is, “How can those who choose to avoid becoming a part 
of one body expect to receive the same promise as those who obey?”
Through the years I have heard many give reasons why they do not attend 
church, and some of them have been misled into believing they don’t have to.

How absurd is that?
The scriptures clearly tell us that if we are truly saved, 
we should never forsake the assembling together for worship.
In fact, we should have a desire to meet with other believers.
God didn't save us to worship Him in a silo.
Some have said that they have heard pastors include in their 
sermons that attending church is not necessary.

First of all, I don’t believe any sincere pastor 
would ever say something like that, because it is biblically false.
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be 
false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, 
even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction 
on themselves. (2 Peter 2:1)

Secondly, even if they did say it, 
that means that those who do not want to go to church 
will take the word of an earthly man over the commands from the Lord.
How could they ever expect Christ to give them the gift of peace 
when it is reserved for those who are members of one body?

The truth is, many make all kinds of excuses 
and create all kinds of rationale for disobeying the Lord.
That might work with other individuals, but not with the Lord!
He knows that it is willful rebellion and disobedience, 
and He does not appreciate this lack of commitment!
More than that, it could be a sign that a person has never really received 
salvation, because they have not fully submitted to the Lord.

Too many people are fighting battles of all kinds but are losing 
the battle for peace due to their insincere commitment to the Lord
Once we receive His peace, we are told to be thankful 
for this valuable gift He gives to those who love and obey Him.
We can see that Paul received this peace from the Lord when he was
thrown into prison and was unsure of what would happen to him.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, 
and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)

ACTION:
Are you still searching for peace?
Perhaps you are one of those guilty of ignoring God’s commands 
and following the words of an earthly man, or living your life 
driven by your own selfishness, rather that by God’s Will.

You don’t want to face the final judgment and be told that you are 
condemned to hell due to your lack of obedience to the Lord, do you?
Why not make the changes that you know you need to make 
to become a part of the “one” body of Christ?
Wouldn't you prefer to experience the peace that Christ provides now, 
and at the end of your earthly journey, to hear Him say, 
“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the turmoil in my life. You also know about my 
lack of total submission to You, and my feeble excuses for choosing to 
disobey Your commands. Lord, I don’t want to miss out on Heaven, so I ask 
You to forgive me for being selfish, rebellious and disobedient. Convict me 
of my insubordination, and help me to make a total commitment to be a part 
of the body of Christ, so that I can taste the peace You offer to those who 
truly belong to You. Remind me of the importance of showing my submission 
to You through my obedience. Help me in my efforts to go to Your house so 
often, that I feel guilty whenever I am not there. Thank You Lord for the 
peace I hope to receive as a result of my obedience.”