INSIDE JOB

Image result for clip art showing Jehovah Shaloam   From Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."  This second week of Advent, I have been focused on the fruit and character of peace.  As I finished Acts and the Corinthians, I have been directed to Colossians.  Here in Colossians, I found this jewel, peace of Christ.   

Peace in Hebrew is Shalom.  It is commonly used for greeting and farewell today in Israel.  There is a deeper meaning from the Hebrew, for the word encourages the hope that the individual will be well: fulfilled, satisfied, healthy, prosperous, and will be in harmony with self, with others, and with God.  The word seems to suggest a work in the inward man or woman regardless of what is happening on the outside of us.  What is going on INSIDE of me?  I can experience Jehovah Shalom as I am willing to recognize that HE is the source of peace.  We are admonished to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122, yet at this point in time, Jews, Muslims, and Christians have not been able to co-exist in peace there...yet we continue to pray.  Our politicians grapple for the illusive peace treaties without any change of hearts.  Peace cannot and will not result until hearts of men and women are CHANGED AND ARE WILLING TO SUBMIT TO THE PURPOSE OF MIGHTY GOD AND RECEIVE THE PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS.  Yet, we continue to pray that Jehovah Shalom will rule in the hearts .  

As Christ followers, we have the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)  I suggest several benefits of the inside job of peace: less strain on the heart, less focus on self , less fretting and stewing, less concern about being approved by others, greater heart for the salvation of others, willingness to intercede for others in prayer, greater trust because I am at peace with God, less guilt, healthy self-control management, and harmony/ healing in relationships.  As long as we inhabit planet Earth, there will be pain, disappointment, chaos, violence, and upheaval, yet will we be at peace allowing Jehovah Shalom to dominate and rule our hearts?  Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS

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