Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 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 3:12-17
Here Paul is speaking to the ekklesia in Colossae. When I read verse 16 about ‘letting the Word of Christ rule’ in my heart richly I always thought it had to do with the scripture I committed to my memory. Now that I’m older in my relationship with God I view it and understand it differently. I realize that this entire portion of scripture is the ‘ministry’ and work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Who is it that reminds me of what Jesus said?
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14: 25-27
Also Paul’s usage of the concept of the Word ‘dwelling’ within us — is the same as the Holy Spirit indwelling us. So I’ve learned it is more about intimate conversation and relationship with the Holy Spirit than it is about striving to be perfect. It’s allowing Him to do His work within me. How? By engaging with Him. Constantly asking Him questions and seeking Him out for His advice and direction throughout my day. Praying unceasingly. Obviously this means being able to hear Him within my mind. This is a ‘learned’ skill. I’ve learned He is ALWAYS speaking — all around us and to us, but it is up to us to learn how to hear Him and learn how to discern His words to our hearts. If He really is ‘living within you’ then you should be able to hear Him. Our usual problem is that we don’t give Him any ‘place’ in our day. I’m not taking about a ‘separate’ place or time in our day — but that it is like having a partner with you all day that you never talk to or engage with. Do you think He wants to engage with you?
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is our goal to be infused into our character and life. Being grateful and thankful always in our heart for ALL His blessing and work in our lives. Being humble and quick to repent before Him .. and those in our ekklesia / community / Body of Christ.
Is there any greater ‘work’ that we have? Were we created to ‘minister’ to Him? Being in love with Him. To seek Him out because of our passionate love for Him. Do you long for Him? Can you relate to what David wrote?
As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God. Psalms 42:1-2
Tell God how you love Him today. Whisper loving words to Him. Learn to express your love for Him in many ways.