A SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH 2015

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, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col. 3: 15-17).

We stand at the beginning of a new year. Yesterday was no different from today, and today will be no different from to tomorrow. Each day stands as a unit and a clean page yet to be written, but it will become what we make of it. What appears on each page will remain, indelibly written in our book of life. Will we write a story of peace and harmony or will we blot and stain the pages of our book with words, deeds and attitudes of which we will be ashamed when our book is opened?

In this beautiful chapter of Colossians, Paul shows us how to write a family history of which we will be proud if we all, as God’s children, write an interconnected story of love and peace.

Step 1: Your old self has gone. Live as though it no longer exists. Leave your baggage at the cross where Jesus destroyed it once and for all.

Step 2: Put on your new self like dressing in brand new clothes. Act like a son of God and you will be one – a true reflection of your Father.

Step 3: Listen to the referee. He is in charge of your game of life. His peace in your heart will guide and confirm your moment-by-moment choices. As long as His peace rules, keep on going. When He blows the whistle, you have overstepped the boundary. Go back and check where you erred. Put it right immediately and get on with the game.

God’s peace is a powerful force in your life, given to you at the moment when you believed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and turned your live over to Him. His peace stands on two legs which give you balance and security as you walk through life.

1. We have peace with God. Jesus’s death and resurrection made it possible for us to be reconciled to the Father. We are no longer enemies. He has forgiven our sin and removed the barrier of guilt and shame that made us afraid of Him and of punishment. We have been justified – declared ‘Not guilty’ and our record book wiped clean of all debt.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5: 1-2).

2. We have the peace of God. His peace guards us from worry, doubt and fear if we play open cards with Him. Life is full of uncertainties. There is no guarantee that we will emerge unscathed from the troubles that infect this world. God did not promise us a trouble-free life but He did promise that good will come out of every adversity if we trust His love.

Instead of harbouring your anxieties and fears, be honest. Confess them to Him and in exchange, He will guard your heart and mind with His peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

Step 4: Fill your mind with His word. Let His word guide your thoughts and attitudes instead of the anxieties and fears that will intrude if you let them. Be encouraging and positive towards your family in Christ. Build them up; don’t tear them down.

Step 5: Be thankful and keep on being thankful; all day, every day, all the time, in every circumstance, just keep being a grateful person.

Step 6: Do everything for and with Jesus, no matter how big or small. Get out of bed in the morning for Jesus. Go to work for Jesus. Do your work for Jesus. Live in your home for Jesus. Love you family for Jesus.

What a simple prescription for a prosperous and successful 2015!

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.