Christians and four leafed clovers

Image by Jim Rees via Flickr

“Christians and four leafed clovers” By Diane Webb

Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Paul was writing the church of Colosse while he was in prison because he had been informed these people were in danger of falling back into their old, pagan, practices. They were new believers and, as such, were vulnerable to false teachings. The false teachers were suggesting the people keep their beliefs about Jesus Christ but add to them additional practices as a supplement. The rules and regulations being suggested would, according to Paul, lead them right back to operating in the flesh and result in eventual destruction of the church body in Colosse. In Colossians 3:15, Paul is reminding the church they were called by God as one body rather than as individuals. As such, each individual must be at peace in their own hearts in order to successfully function as part of the church body. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts” is suggesting each individual make decisions for themselves based on what will leave them at peace. This is sound advice as the heart is where the Holy Spirit resides. If we check in with the Holy Spirit with each and every decision we will always be at peace in our hearts. A person at peace will not cause strife in the church therefore not disrupt the body of Christ. This is not the same as doing what “feels good” which is of the flesh. Having peace does feel good but everything that feels good does not lead to peace. Paul’s focus on the heart as the area to achieve peace is specific and intentional. Look back on your decisions and notice the ones where you trusted that feeling in your heart. By making decisions that leave your heart feeling at peace you are more likely to remain true to your faith in Jesus Christ and not be tempted to add to it from other religions. In our day and age it seems to be the trend to be all-inclusive of religions and faiths as if “anything goes”. To say that all religions are OK is to say none of them are OK. It’s to say no religion is completely right or enough. To hold to your faith is to believe your faith is real and based on truth not socially accepted practices. A true Christian (or a true Muslim, a true Wiccan, a true Buddhist, or a true Hindu for that matter) believes their religion is based on fact and is sufficient. If you believe Jesus Christ is the son of God who came to the world in the flesh to save sinners, there is really no room in your heart for other religions or other practices. A Christian truly believes Christ is all sufficient and has no need to add to or subtract from the Gospel. For example, there was a Christian woman who was planning on getting a Wiccan tattoo on the back of her neck “for protection”. This is exactly what Paul was addressing to the Colossians. By adding to her stated religion of Christianity, the lady was testifying she did not believe Jesus Christ is enough. That somehow she needs to add to her faith—to supplement Jesus. The same can be said of Christians who practice superstitions—carrying a rabbit’s foot, throwing salt over their shoulders, not walking under ladders, getting upset about breaking mirrors. People who believe what they believe do not need to venture outside the bounds of their faith. Nor do they feel the need to add additional rituals or practices for extra protection. Christ is enough. Christ is enough.

Dear Lord, help me to always recognize ways I may be venturing outside my faith into dangerous territory. Help me strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and accept he is all sufficient. Help me realize I do not need to add anything to my faith. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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