As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:12-14
Just as a clarification the word ‘peace’ here is the same Greek word used in Galatians 5:22 which lists this ‘peace’ as one of the fruits of the Spirit. We are to be ‘carriers’ of this fruit of peace. It should be a thermostat to the atmospheres we encounter. So the real question is what makes a ‘space’ / house / home worthy of the peace residing within you? What atmospheres refuse to receive your ‘peace’ and why?
Consider this command for the peace within you in Luke 10:5-12.
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Do you carry His peace within you? Has the Holy Spirit highlighted His peace within you and how He wants it activated in your life? Are you more susceptible to the atmospheres around you rather than the peace He wants to cultivate in your life? Are you more a thermometer or a thermostat? Are you reacting or responding? What is your focus? Does His Presence guide you – throughout your day? Do the words from the Holy Spirit inspire you? Does He give you instruction and direction?
How settled is your soul in the peace of God?
God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.
I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content. Psalms 131:1-2
The quiet words of the wise are more effective
Than the ranting of a king of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17
And the effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:17-18
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
to the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
*Selah* (This means ponder this in … the quiet and rest.)