Let's start with this passage:
"5Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)
As I read this and pondered over it, I noticed some very simple and clear directions that are given. Here is a basic summary of some of the main points, in order:
Let Christ rule in your hearts.
Be thankful.
Let the Word dwell in you as you teach and sing, with gratitude in your hearts.
Do all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks.
See any themes there? Colossians 3:16 happens to be a personal favorite of mine. I love to let my imagination come up with pictures for what it would look like to let the Word dwell in me richly. But what I've never noticed about this passage is its emphasis on gratitude!
We're told quite directly to be thankful. And the assumption is that as we teach as sing, we're doing it with gratitude in our hearts. (Well, it's either an assumption or a subtle hint!) And lastly, as we do all things in His name, we're told to do so while giving thanks.
I suspect it's no accident that these words are so repetitive in theme. Gratitude is important!
Perhaps you had your own images fill your mind as you thought of the Word dwelling richly in you. What changes in your picture if you imagine that rich indwelling and couple it with abundant and active gratitude? Mine is a beautiful thought-picture!
Let me strive for that today, Lord! You are worthy to be praised!
No comments:
Post a Comment