Let peace call the shots

I was thinking this morning about Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts….”

The phrase “let…rule” is from the Greek word brabeuo, which means to arbitrate, to govern, or figuratively, to prevail. This word appears only one time in Scripture. 

Its root is from the same as brabeion, another Greek word which means an umpire, or an award, as in a prize given in public games. 

I love the way the Amplified version translates this verse: “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].”

The word “peace” is the same as in Jesus’ promise in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Scripture tells us that we are to let this peace of God be our umpire—deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in our minds. 

In a game, an umpire makes a call between competing possibilities—and his call can determine the outcome of the game. 

Similarly, when competing thoughts war in our minds, we must let the peace of God be the umpire that makes the call between the warring questions in our minds. 

God’s promise of peace is for us at all times and in all circumstances. And His promise is that in all things, we can allow His peace to reign in our hearts.