We live in a time characterized by false ideas and loss of truth. While this is not different from any other period of history, we see it everywhere now. Some churches are involved in superficial fads and act like social clubs. As a result, some Christians are confused and lack a clear understanding of the gospel and live a life indistinguishable from the world. Also, some Christians are carried away by the promises in the word of God, moral obligations, motivational thoughts, and self-help advice.
What is the remedy for this condition? Thankfully, Scripture doesn’t leave us on our own when facing this condition. The Bible says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you.” But why do we need the word of God? How can the word of God dwell in our hearts?
Why Do We Need the Word of God?
Recently, our family moved to another state because of our older son’s job. We moved to a new apartment, set things up, and had to leave a few days later for a conference, and then a few days later, we left our younger son in college. When I returned to our new apartment, I could not find my stuff quickly because I was not familiar with how I had set up the apartment. It took a while for me to get used to the new place and to know where all my things were. A few months later, this new place is my home, and I know where to find my stuff. I don’t spend time searching for them. Just as dwelling in my house helps me find my stuff easily, allowing God’s word to dwell in us richly can help us live a new life in Christ.
God’s word helps us in having the right understanding of the gospel. The word of God helps us to know our condition before God and understand God’s remedy for our salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. The word of God helps Christians to live as Jesus would in our everyday lives. What we do with our Bibles reveals our relationship with Christ. A closed Bible will not help in our everyday walk with Christ. God’s word can show us how crooked our life is and align our lives with the image of Christ. Also, when God’s word dwells in us richly, we can guard against false teachings.
The false teachers in Colossae taught Christians that special revelations, mystical experiences, and ritual practices were necessary for the Christian life. Whereas Paul taught the Christians in Colossae that Christ is enough and Christ’s word is enough for Christian living. Christians even now, are bombarded with false teachings, novel ideas, and special revelations. False teachings can take root and spread in churches when Christians don’t read the word of God. That is why Paul is encouraging the Colossian believers to allow the word of God to dwell in them richly.
How can the word of God dwell in our hearts?
Some read the Bible for some quick emotional kick or in a sentimental manner. But we must pay careful attention to the word of God and obey it diligently. The word of God needs to take up permanent residence in every Christian’s life. Colossians 3:16 describes what it looks like when the word of God dwells in us richly.
Evidence that the word of God is indeed dwelling within can be seen through teaching and admonishing with wisdom and through singing psalms, songs, and hymns. Singing the Psalms will give us a picture of who God is. Songs are a means of grace to God’s people to remember God’s word and be reminded to follow God’s word. We tend to memorize the songs we sing. Christ’s followers can learn the right theology by singing gospel-rich hymns.
Paul uses the word “richly.” “Richly” suggests that the word of God needs to have a deep and lasting impact on our lives through regular reading and obedience. God’s word can dwell in us richly only when it is a daily, steady diet. We cannot nibble on God’s word. We need to feast on God’s word every day.
In the same way that we make time to cook our meals, go to our workplaces, and have a regular time of rest, we need to make an intentional effort to find time to read the word of God. “Richly” also suggests that the word of God needs to be obeyed.
Here are some practical ways to allow the word of God to dwell in us richly:
First, read the word of God regularly. If you find it difficult, find a reading partner who can hold you accountable. Or find a group of friends to read the same passage and post your learnings through chat messages. This kind of accountability can help you to do it every single day.
Second, read the word of God systematically at an unhurried pace. Sometimes, read it as a whole chapter, and sometimes as a whole book like reading Colossians in one stretch.
Finally, sing songs that are filled with the truths of the Scripture. Sing songs that teach about God. And sing songs that teach the whole counsel of God.
May the Lord make his word dwell in you richly.
