Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
16 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.
What does it mean to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly? How do you know if it is even in you at all? If Christ’s word is in me, how can I enjoy it richly? What if I am new in my faith? How will I be able to grow? Paul speaks about wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. He also mentions psalms and hymns. Could these be ways for us to grow spiritually?
I soak in God’s goodness and teaching. That has two meanings. Firstly, I absorb all I can get from God like a sponge absorbs water. I want to get to know Him better and I ask Him to teach me His ways. Secondly, I soak in God’s word as one would soak in a tub. I marinade in the juices of God’s spirit to have His teachings penetrate to the deep places in my mind, heart and soul. You might say I meditate on His word and His grace. That is how I let His word dwell in me richly! Allowing God to penetrate my ego and pride has helped to lessen them and lead me into a closer walk with Him. I find myself saying things to comfort people that are much wiser then I am, knowing that God is speaking through me. The word of Christ is coming out. It is the grace of the Lord entering my heart and giving me what is needed to be a comfort to me and others. By His word, He offers us all wisdom. All we need do is accept the gifts He provides. How about you? Do you allow God to speak to and through you? Will you ask Him for wisdom and discernment? Will you accept what He provides? If you do, you can have the Lord’s grace in your heart singing and teaching others what He has given you!
Lord, thank You for the word of Christ! May it dwell in us richly so that we can share You with others. Help us show what is like to be a follower of Jesus. May the joy You provide cause us to sing. May the Grace You give us cause us to reach out to a hurting world in love and compassion sharing the good news. In your name we pray. Amen!