We want to continue focusing on developing our devotional time with the Lord. This is to be a time of excitement and joy, not legalism and drudgery. I have written about the need to read and study Scripture as part of your growing in the faith. In doing so, we must make sure to avoid the pitfalls of "cherry picking" a verse out of context. Colossians 3: 15 reads: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." I have heard "ministers" say this verse is the authority for letting "peace" be your guide to confirm an impression or thought you have had about a decision you are about to make. Just the other day, someone said to me, "Don't do it if you don't feel at peace." However, when the verse is read in context, we see it has nothing to do with making decisions about a life choice. Verses 13, 14 and 16 set the context: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness....Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." In context, Paul is telling the readers to get along with each other. We are to forgive and forbear; we are to act in love; we are to live in peace with the body of Christ whether Jew or Gentile. Once again, the Bible makes perfect sense when interpreted in context. Don't let "peace" be your "Magic 8 Ball."
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