I was reading this verse recently when I realized that Paul is telling us to do one thing, but he’s assuming that we’re already doing four other things. What are the four things we’re supposedly already doing? The first is that we’re to teach one another. There are some people who love to teach, others that would rather do most anything else. The thing is, if you’re around people, you’re teaching. Maybe you don’t stand in front of a classroom, but our every conversation instructs the other person in some way. The second thing, admonish, may not happen quite so naturally. Especially in our culture where we’re taught to believe that admonishing someone is being judgmental. There actually is a big difference, though. Judging someone means that we’re assuming we know the motive of their heart. Admonishing could also mean warning. If you’re riding with someone and see a car pull out in front of you, you may warn the driver of the impending danger. In the same way, if we see someone headed toward a spiritual collision, the loving thing would be to warn them.
Paul is also assuming we’re singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” I’m guessing he means more often than just Sunday morning. During the week, do you lift your voice in praise to God? Do you sing your praise? God doesn’t care if it’s a joyful noise. It’s not noisy to Him! It’s beautiful music in His ears. Especially when coupled with the fourth thing: gratitude. When’s the last time you thanked God for something? Are you in a place in your life where you think you don’t have anything to be thankful for? Wait! Did I just hear you take a breath? Thank God for that breath! Are you reading this? Thank God for eyesight. Are you trying to decide if you agree with me? Thank God for a brain. The list of blessings is seemingly endless!
As we do those four things, Paul tells us to make sure the word of Christ is living within us. That is so important! I want to be taught and admonished by those who are doing so from the basis of God’s word. I never want to rely on my own “wisdom,” but only on the true wisdom that comes from God. I want the songs I sing to be in line with God’s word. Even better, I’d like for it to be God’s word put to music, which will cement it more in my memory and heart. And knowing God’s word opens my eyes even further to the blessings of God. But I don’t want to just know God’s word. I want it to dwell in me, to make its home in my heart. I want it to grow in me, to become more and more a part of my very being. I want it to be so rich in my life that it’s always in the forefront of my mind and I’m daily learning more about God through His word. I thank and praise God that we have His word available to us. What a gracious God we serve!