Dwelling Richly 2

“We ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:9-12

“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

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8

When the word dwells richly, filling the heart with thanksgiving and the mouth with praise, all that follows is marked expressly with Christ’s name. Permeated with the word, our walk will be worthy of Him, every word and deed good, honest, and true. Soaked in the word, we will exude grace and insight. Taking full root, the word will grow and spread its light through every tendril of thought, and bloom bright and lovely in every decision and expression.

Prayer for wisdom and understanding initiates increasing thirst for the word, and vibrant spiritual changes upon taking it in. Conviction and cleansing are effected by the blade’s clarifying edge, along with honing of habit and character. As the dwelling is enriched by willingness and humility, fruit of the Spirit will be evident and lavish, attractive to a watching and needy world. (Galatians 5:22-23)

What are we doing to enrich the word’s nourishment of our souls and attending behavior? What specific evidence does our countenance, response to stress, attitude toward hardship, or interactions with others display of the word dwelling and growing within? If there are some areas we flourish and others we keep hidden away in refusal to change, how will we address our self-deception?

Where in our thinking, concessions, or indulgences is God calling us to let His word take up full habitation? How dedicated are we to increasing understanding, adding to faith, and implementing the power of biblical truth unto obvious, abundant expression?

“Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.” ~Philip P. Bliss (1874)

Lord, keep Your word my highest delight and joy, that it may grow richly, speed ahead in glorious display, and be honored. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)