Dwelling Richly 1

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16-17

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes!..

With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
    all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:1-8,10-16

Let. Allow. Welcome. Invite. Submit. Paul anticipates the murmurings of restless rebel hearts when he chooses a directive that requires an act of the will that supersedes emotion. The word of Christ dwelling richly in us doesn’t just happen.

The word dwells richly when heart soil is soft and receptive. It must be welcomed in and given space to spread out and take over corners of self-serving fetishes, hidden indulgences, and cordoned-off resentments. It must be supplied with tending to remove crabby scrabble and fresh air to grow and bloom and emanate fragrance. (Luke 8:5-15)

What need we do to let in the word? What evidence do we display of its richly dwelling?

“O Jesus, Christ, grow in me,
and all things else recede:
to you my heart would nearer be,
from sin be daily freed.

Each day embrace my weakness, Lord,
with your supporting might;
and let my death be lost in life,
my darkness in your light.

Let faith in you and in your strength
my every motive move;
may you alone be my delight,
my passion and my love.

Fill me with gladness from above,
hold me by strength divine.
Lord, let the glow of your great love
through my whole being shine.

Show me your glory more and more,
Lord, holy, wise, and true!
Your living image I would be,
in joy and sorrow too.

Make this poor self grow less and less,
and be yourself my aim;
and through your grace, make me each day
more worthy of your name.” ~ Johann Caspar Lavatory (1741-1801)

Amen, Lord. May Your living, refining, powerful word have full sway in me so You are richly exalted.