In yesterday’s devotional we talked about Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

I encouraged us to think through what this means. 

First, in the Bible your “heart” often refers to your place of deepest convictions and commitments; this includes not just feelings but thoughts.

Second, the “peace of Christ” is (a) a status you receive after having been given peace with God through Christ, and (b) a state-of-mind you increasingly experience. 

Third, the language Paul uses indicates that we need to yield to a new King and Ruler (Jesus).

Today, let’s take it a step further. How do we train ourselves to yield in this way? By imitating Jesus. 

It just so happens that Paul provides a list of specifics in verses 12 to 17. If we start to pattern our lives upon these Christlike things, Christ himself will increasingly change our state-of-mind. Here’s a summary:

Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Patience
Meekness
Tolerance 
Forgiveness
Love
Gratitude
Dwelling richly in the word of Christ
Teaching one another
Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
Doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Turns out it’s the sincerest form of faithfulness as well.

Training isn’t just something you do for a marathon or in a field placement. It’s something you do to yield to the rule of King Jesus in your innermost being.

Train yourself by imitating Christ. And let his peace increasingly rule in your heart.

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Notes and extra content:

–Podcast and Blog: “10 Popular Things Jesus Said.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–“How does the Peace of Christ Rule in our Hearts?” Sermon. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.