Does peace rule your life? Or is your life full of upheaval, drama, and uncertainty? Do you admonish with psalms or with a sharp tongue that cuts deep? Do you do everything with thankfulness in your heart?
Many, if not most, of us will say we long for peace. Yet we often do little in pursuit of peace. Instead, we rebel, react negatively, and complain about almost anything. We gossip about one another, creating discontent whether knowingly or unknowingly.
Peace is only achieved with effort. Self-control is a key ingredient for peace. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Fruits of the Spirit only grow within us as we submit to God and His will for our lives. Therefore, the first step in achieving peace is to commit to following God’s commands, guidance, and direction.
Admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and songs may sound a bit weird to us. But think about it for just a moment. If you correct someone with a positive, uplifting tone, they are less likely to take offense and more likely to make a positive change themselves. After all, would you rather someone yell at you for doing something wrong or take time to show you the right way with encouraging words?
Accepting the Holy Spirit into your life and allowing Him to make a positive change in your life will lead to true thankfulness. As we become truly thankful for all God has done and continues to do in our lives, we do everything in God’s name, giving Him thanks at all times. Giving thanks compounds itself, making us more thankful as we continue to recognize all God’s blessings.
I pray we all honestly pursue peace. I pray we strive to correct others with encouraging words. I pray each one of us welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives and become thankful for all God does for us. Pursue peace. Encourage one another. Admonish one another with positiveness. Welcome the Holy Spirit. Give thanks to God always.
Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, givingthanks to God the Father through him.
Marty Pressey 