 The Internal Umpire |
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Read Colossians 3:1-18
THERE ARE MANY DECISIONS in athletics that are difficult to call for the umpires who officiate the race, match or game. One of them involved the 400M individual medley swimming final during the 1972 Munich summer games. Gunnar Larson of Sweden won the race when he finished only .002 of a second ahead of America's Tim McKee. The margin was less than one-eighth of an inch -- about three weeks of growth of one fingernail! The race was so close that sophisticated timing devices had to be used to identify the winner! When we have to make difficult decisions which trouble mind and soul, we too need help from a "timing device." Certainly we have the Word of God, which sheds light on many matters. But some things are not directly addressed in the Bible. Who to marry, where to live, what job to take, and which meetings to attend are questions that we all have to answer. When faced with decisions like these, Christians have an internal umpire to give them direction. We must let the peace of Christ "act as umpire" in our hearts. In other words, if our affections and our minds are set upon Him (v.1-2) and God has remade our life style (v.7), a God-given inner tranquility will arbitrate in both interpersonal relationships and in decision-making. When all known sin is confessed, God's peace will calm our minds and we wil be void of offense toward others and free to think and decide clearly. In this way, He leads us to make right decisions! Just as some races must be called with sensitive timing equipment, some decisions must be made with a sensitive spirit to the peace of God. When there's no verse to direct your decision there is always this verse (v.15) pointing to the peace of God. Let His peace guide you in everything -- and don't forget to thank Him!
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