Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

Today's full reading: Colossians 3:1-17

"Let 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. And 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)

We have been given a new life in Christ. Our new life must be different from our old life. Consider what is different in your life now from when you were an enemy of God. You may have experienced major lifestyle changes or you may have just had a change of heart and mind. The later is likely true if you became a Christ follower before you were a teenager. Either way, however, this passage in Colossians says to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16). This does not happen automatically. You and I must make the choice to spend time reading, meditating on, and memorizing the Word of God if we are going to obey this teaching.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for his life-giving, life-sustaining Word. Take a moment to open your Bible and memorize a verse of scripture. After you read it five or six time you may want to write it down on a note card or small piece of paper to carry with you throughout the day. Ask the Lord to help you live out the truth of his word. (Here are a few verses you may want to start with: John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, 12:1, 1 John 1:9)