SEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “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)
Theme: When we understand and obey the Holy Spirit, we are called to peace and unity.
CALLED TO PEACE
“Peace” and “Unity”? I don’t think I could find two words that are farther from the climate we live in today. There is an assault of information telling us we are divided by political affiliation, race, socio-economic status, gender, and religious beliefs, just to name a few. Perhaps you’ve found yourself arguing about masks, education, recycling, climate change, abortion, vaccines, or gun control. Maybe you picked a side or someone else just categorized you based on their own assumptions. Not that these aren’t important topics, but they hardly inspire “peace and unity.” How did we get so off-track?
PREVENTING DECAY
When my kids were little, I took them to the dentist regularly. At about six years old, the dentist recommended they have their teeth sealed to protect against cavities. Given their inconsistent oral hygiene and questionable snacking habits (of which I had a front row seat!), I was onboard! Each time they went to the dentist after that, I continued to be amazed when they left with a “cavity-free” sticker. I had seen the gummy snacks and soda. I had noticed the day (or two) of missed brushing. They didn’t even know what floss was! But still…no cavities!
During one visit, I remarked that these sealants must be magical. The dentist explained that a cavity starts with the smallest of holes in the enamel of a tooth, often before you would ever notice it. In that nearly invisible hole, decay develops. And, if unaddressed, it will eventually cause enough pain that you can’t ignore it.
My connection to God is the same. When I allow the smallest of cracks, before I even realize it, the world will try to fill it. But the world doesn’t fill that space with Godly things, like the fruit of the Spirit. Instead, the world inserts doubt, insecurity, anger, divisiveness, resentment, and hate. Decay. Decay that, if unaddressed, will cause enough pain that I can no longer ignore it. Sound familiar?
SEALING MY FAITH
However, I can protect myself…like using a sealant…when this world threatens the peace and unity that God wants for me. I do that by understanding and obeying the Holy Spirit. Notice that’s a two-part calling. First, I must understand…by regularly studying God’s Word and going to Him in prayer. Then, I must obey…which requires some action or restraint. Only then can I protect against the tiny cracks that Satan would use to start a slow decay in my life.
Make It Personal: Examine your heart today. Do you often feel angry? Do you engage in heated debates that result in hurt feelings and severed relationships? Are you becoming isolated, or do you feel like you’re right and everyone else is wrong? That is not what God wants for you. He calls us to peace and unity with one another, not just for the benefit of others, but for us. Jesus didn’t compromise His calling or mission when He experienced opposition or adversity. He met it with love, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. After all, He is the Prince of Peace, even in a world that is broken, hateful, and full of sin. He is Love.
Pray: God, sometimes this world makes me angry. When I feel like fighting or arguing, change my focus to You. Please give me a spirit of compassion so that I might do my part to inspire unity and peace in my area of influence. As a follower of Jesus, help me demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control so that others may come to know You. Please give me discipline to fill my heart with the Holy Spirit and the self-restraint to prevent the ills of this world from taking hold of me. Amen.
Additional Reading: Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:23-24; John 14:27
Weekly Memory Verse: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)