“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 ESV).
For some, the measure of a good decision begins and ends with the degree of peace they experience. By “peace” we often mean that we feel little or no emotional anxiety regarding a particular decision. However, “feelings” are a notoriously poor foundation for good decision-making and it is possible to feel peaceful about a decision that is far outside the will of God.
For instance, if we are to let the peace of God rule in our hearts (as we’re told here in Colossians 3:15), then what are we to make of Jesus’ statement from Matthew 10:34-36…
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.'”
We should also consider Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane…
“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will’ (Mark 14:36).
In light of these things, it is important to recognize the difference between “feeling peaceful” about a decision and “being at peace” with a decision. Jesus clearly did not feel peaceful at the prospect of going to the cross as evidenced by His agony in prayer over what lay ahead for Him. Nevertheless, His willingness to set aside His preference to answer God’s call on His life enabled Him to be at peace with that decision despite the physical, spiritual, and emotional trauma that was sure to result.
This reminds us that the context of Colossians 3:15 helps determine the right application for this verse: “…let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (emphasis added). To put it another way, the peace of God should arbitrate in those areas of conflict that develop with others.
So while “peace” does not necessarily serve as the final measure of a good decision, it does have a role to play in our overall decision-making process. This is especially true of our relationships with others. If we seek to implement the things that make for peace in our personal relationships, we can live out Jesus’ message from Matthew 5:9…
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” (NET).