Read Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

In the Greek games judges would reject contestants who were not qualified and would disqualify those who broke the rules. The peace of God is the “umpire” in our believing hearts. When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within; but when we step out of His will (even unintentionally), we lose His peace.

If we have peace in our hearts, we will be at peace with others in the
church. We are called to one body, and our relationship in that body must be one of harmony and peace. If we are out of the will of God, we are certain to bring discord and disharmony to the church. Jonah thought he was at peace, when actually his sins created a storm (Jonah 1—4).

When we Christians lose the peace of God, we begin to go off in
directions that are out of the will of God. We turn to the things of the world to compensate for our lack of peace within. But we cannot escape
ourselves! It is only when we confess our sins, claim God’s forgiveness, and do God’s will that we experience God’s peace within.

Something to Ponder
Have you ever experienced a false peace (like Jonah’s)? How long did it
last? What were the results?