Christians are called to be a light to the world. That light is to be a reflection of God’s love to His people. It’s something that others will see and want for themselves.
But what about Christians makes us different than everyone else? It’s not like we have a shimmering halo that floats 6 inches above our heads! So what then? According to the Bible, it’s our hearts!
What is different about a Christian heart? A passage in Colossians describes three important attributes of the Christian heart.
 Colossians 3:15-17 (NASB)
15 Â Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Â Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Â Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
The Christian heart is:
1)     Ruled by Christ’s peace,
2)Â Â Â Â Â Indwelt by the Word of Christ, and
3)Â Â Â Â Â Motivated to do all in the name of Christ.
Our hearts are to be ruled by the peace of Christ. To have the peace of Christ we must first accept Him and submit to His will. Setting aside our differences in order to unify and not divide the body.
Our hearts are to be indwelt by the Word of Christ. To have the Word dwell richly in our hearts we must make room in our hearts by removing that which is not of Christ. With wisdom, we are to teach and admonish one another.
Our hearts are be motivated to do all in the name of Christ. To live in a way that reflects Christ in everything we do and do nothing which dishonors Him.
Application
In each case, we have a choice to accept or reject Christ’s direction. In each case, these are commands, imperatives describing how a Christian’s heart is different. In each case, we should be thankful for Christ’s direction and provision:
- A Christian heart is to be ruled by Christ’s peace, and we are to be thankful for this peace.
- A Christian heart is to be indwelt by the Word of Christ, and we are to be thankful for the Word.
- A Christian heart is to be motivated to do all in the name of Christ in a way that brings honor and glory to Him, and we are to be thankful that we can come to the Father through Christ.
Join the Conversation
As always questions and comments are welcome. How is the condition of your heart? Which of these three applications is most difficult for you?
Category: Personal Development | Dependence on God
