“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” -Colossians 3:15
When we read Colossians 3:15, at first glance, it might seem like Paul is simply offering words of encouragement to live a life free from stress or anxiety. Sadly, our modern understanding of "peace" tends to be inherently selfish. It's more about contentment, calmness, or living a carefree existence. But the kind of peace Paul speaks of in this passage is much deeper and far more profound than just a tranquil life free from problems. The peace Paul is talking about is the Hebrew concept of shalom, a peace that encompasses completeness and wholeness.
Shalom: More Than a “Care-Free Life”
In our modern context, when we think of peace, we often imagine someone on vacation snoozing in a hammock or life without turmoil —no tension, struggles, or difficulties. In short, a life where everything is easy and carefree. But shalom, the peace Paul refers to, is far richer and more complete. It refers to wholeness and completeness—a deep, abiding peace that goes beyond external circumstances and touches every part of our being: our mind, body, soul, and relationships. It’s a peace that aligns everything with God's will, purpose, and order.
This concept of shalom isn't simply about avoiding challenges and difficulties but about being whole, restored, and complete in Christ. This peace comes from Christ Himself, who has reconciled us to God through His sacrifice at the Cross. He has made us part of His Body and given us access to the fullness of life through His Spirit. That's shalom. That's peace!
The Command to Let Christ’s Peace Reign
When Paul commands us to let the peace of Christ “reign” in our hearts, he’s not offering a suggestion or recommendation. He is giving us an imperative. This peace, the completeness and wholeness of Christ, is not something we should seek out occasionally or only when things get tough. Instead, we are commanded to let it reign, to allow it to govern, rule, and arbitrate in our lives 24/7/365.
The word reign here implies authority and rule. This peace is not passive—it is the active governing force in the life of a believer. It means that Christ’s wholeness, which has already been achieved and perfected through His work on the Cross, is to dominate our hearts and minds, shaping every aspect of who we are. This peace is the standard by which we measure our thoughts, emotions, actions, and interactions with others. We are not called to be passive recipients of it, but active participants, letting it govern our entire lives.
Living Out Our New Identity: The Body & Bride of Christ
Paul’s command to let Christ’s peace reign is directly connected to our identity in Christ. In Ephesians 4:16, Paul describes the Church as the Body of Christ, with each member doing their part:
“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” -Ephesians 4:16
As members of Christ's Body, Christians are called to be actively engaged in the life of the Church, not as passive consumers or critics of church services, programs, and sermons. We are called to work together in unity, with Christ’s peace reigning in our hearts, building one another up in love and obedience. The idea of “balance” between the sacred and secular, between our personal lives and church participation is not biblical. That's because as 1 Corinthians 6:20 reveals, "you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." Christ’s peace isn’t something confined to our personal or private lives because no such thing exists for Christians. Christ's peace governs and guides our individual lives and the collective life of the Church. We are a unified body, working together in harmony, each member devoted to playing their part to build up the whole.
Thankfulness: The Outflow of Christ’s Peace
Paul’s command to "be thankful" follows directly after the imperative to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Thankfulness is not optional; it is an essential response to the completeness and wholeness that Christ offers. When Christ’s peace reigns in our hearts, the natural overflow is eucharistos, i.e. gratitude. But this thankfulness isn’t just about saying “thank you” in a superficial way—it’s about a deep, life-transforming gratitude that manifests in our actions, i.e. the good works God prepared in advance as our new way of life (Eph 2:10)!
At Big Island Christian Church, here in Kona, Hawaii, we demonstrate our thankfulness by glorifying God in:
Joyfully Gathering as a church community, not as passive spectators but as active participants in the life of the Body.
Willfully Growing in our faith, pursuing spiritual maturity and walking in the good works God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).
Lavishly Giving of our time, talents, and resources to serve God’s Kingdom and the needs of others.
Courageously Going into the world to proclaim the Gospel, driven by the peace of Christ that compels us to love and serve others.
This is what it truly means to “let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.” It is a wholeness that drives us to live in joyful obedience, thankfulness, and mission. It is the transformation that occurs when we stop being spiritual consumers and become what King Jesus always intended for us: joy-filled, active, engaged members of the Body of Christ!
Conclusion: The Imperative to Live in Wholeness
In Colossians 3:15, Paul isn’t offering a mere suggestion for a life free of conflict; he is commanding us to live in the wholeness and completeness Christ has already secured for us 100%. We are called to let His peace reign in our hearts, to actively participate in the life of the Church, and to overflow in thankfulness by glorifying God in our actions and relationships.
Living out this peace, however, requires more than just avoiding stress or trouble—it demands our lives surrendered to Christ’s lordship, a deep commitment to His Word, and a dedication to the mission He's given His Church. As we let Christ’s peace rule in our hearts, it transforms the way we engage with the world, with each other, and with God. This is the call for every believer: to live in the completeness of Christ, actively working together as His Body, glorifying Him through thankfulness and obedience.
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Senior Pastor
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