Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

As soon as I saw that the reference was verses 5-17, I knew I would be writing on this verse. The whole section is extremely practical instruction for any disciple of Jesus Christ. It’s very difficult, and probably not wise, to rank one verse over another, but this one has been set to music very memorably in Japanese. We sing it often in this church. And actually, verse 17 kind of encapsulates it all. Paul gave the Colossians really good advice! In the first part of the section Paul talks about things that are to be avoided. It is sad and sometimes surprising how often those things need to be said. However, this verse is all positive. In line with the message God spoke through me this past Sunday, getting God’s Word into our hearts and minds should be one of our highest priorities. It’s a marvelous defense against all the attacks of the enemy. As the Psalmist said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) The devil’s attacks are all, in at least some way, lies, so we need God’s Truth to stand against them. For that to happen, we need to be committed to obeying what God says to us. We must not forget the first half of James’ famous admonition: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) We aren’t submitted to God if we are arguing over whether we will obey what He’s said to us! That’s why Paul says to let the word/message of Christ dwell in us or among us richly. Just a surface knowledge doesn’t cut it. We discover the richness of God’s Word as we live it out, and that’s what God desires for us.

As I am frequently reminded, I have been familiar with the Bible from childhood, but that doesn’t mean I’ve always walked in its richness. I have learned the hard way the difference between intellectual knowledge and heart knowledge. It’s all too possible for me to know something in my head and it make no difference in my life. I’ve got to apply everything God has said to me, knowing that His wisdom is as far above mine as mine is above an ant’s. As I realized quite a few years ago now, God’s smart and I’m not. It is only when I approach His Word with humility and gratitude that it has its full effect in my life. The past couple of days I’ve seen God work in and through me rather clearly, and the devil is trying to kick up a fuss. I’m not to fear him, but rather double down on my gratitude and obedience. We’ll be going to a funeral service this afternoon, and then this evening a couple will arrive to spend the night and be here tomorrow, and of course, tomorrow is Sunday, and I have a message from the Lord to deliver. I am to keep my eyes on my Lord, fully sensitive to everything He says to me, so that His words may bear the fruit that He desires and intends, (Isaiah 55:10-11) for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for the richness of Your Word. May I indeed let it dwell in me richly, so that I may be an expression of Your character and will, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!