What governs my life? Like a governor in a car that prevents speeding and keeps me inside the speed limit, what is that aspect of my life that controls me and keeps me within in safe limits? Which rules, standards, or principles act as the guide for my life decisions? The Apostle Paul offers this suggestion: peace, specifically the peace of God.
Colossians 3:15 puts forth: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body and be thankful.” Here the word rule is a lot like our modern concept of an umpire in a baseball game. And peace is more than the exemption from the rage or havoc of war. Peace goes beyond its typical definition of quietness, rest, tranquility, or prosperity. In order to have these qualities in my life, to truly embrace peace, I need to get out of the way. (Strong’s Concordance/ godrules.net)
Umpires in baseball control, arbitrate, and govern the game. One article says that a good umpire must demonstrate civility and make decisions impartially, based on law and not emotions. (The Judge as Umpire: Ten Principles/ BM Kavanaugh/ 6.22.2016/ scholarship.law.edu) Paul is offering that I allow the peace of God to be the impartial umpire of my life.
So, can the elusive peace of God be both the means and the result? Is the peace of God what governs, directs, and controls me? If so, the result will be more peace and tranquility. The peace of God: both the strategy and the outcome!
