Colossians 3:15 Let the Peace of Christ Rule

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. [Colossians 3:15 NASB]

Within its context, this verse is talking about relationships. Where there is conflict, there is no peace. When conflict is resolved, there is peace.

The word that is translated "rule" means to judge or umpire. When the world is in conflict, they go to a judge for arbitration. However the judge rules, each side of the conflict must abide by his decision. That doesn't mean that there will be peace among the different factions; only law and order, which is often the best the world can hope for.

Paul had this to say to the Corinthian church;

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? [1 Corinthians 6:1-7 NASB]

It is shameful when Christians sue one another in court. 

Our goal should not only be conflict resolution, but peaceful restoration of the relationship. It is best to not need any human judge, even within the church. To paraphrase today's verse; "As an umpire judges a game, let the peace of Christ - in your hearts - judge your relationships.

Today's verse is often used to instruct people to discern the will of God. The teaching is; consider two option before you. If you have peace about one option, that is the will of God - the peace of Christ ruling in your heart. But that is not what this verse is teaching.

I'm not denying the peace of God. We are taught;

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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 NASB]

and

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. [Philippians 4:9 NASB]

We see that the peace of God is not leading us, but follows after we have been obedient to His word.

I have a routine. a "safe zone" of activity. As long as I stay within my comfort zone, I am at peace. Whenever I step out of that comfort zone, such as starting a new ministry, or talking to someone about Jesus, I feel unsettled. If I relied on the peace of God to lead me, I would remain in my lounge chair with my feet up, and my dog in my lap.

God has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us. He will lead us into all truth. Wait on Him. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" [John 10:27 NASB] You can have a certainty, or a knowing deep in your spirit, separate from your emotions, that a certain path is where God is leading you.

It requires time waiting on Him. Seek Him in prayer. Be silent and listen for His voice speaking to your Spirit. It won't be an audible voice. In fact, it will sound just like your own voice, only infinitely wiser.

Don't rely on your emotions, whether peaceful or not to lead you. Trust God to lead you in spite of what you feel.

Lord God, thank You that You have given me Your Spirit, and that He guides me into all truth. Please give me the wisdom to discern your will in each situation. I pray for peace and communion with my brothers and sisters in Christ.