Let The Message Of Christ Fill Your Life

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16

This verse does more than encourage Bible reading. It calls believers to allow the message of Christ to shape their thinking, guide their relationships, and fuel their worship.

The apostle Paul devoted Colossians 3 to showing us how to live an effective life for Christ. He did not speak in vague ideals or abstract theology.

Instead, he pointed to a way of living that flows from a transformed heart. At the center of that life stands one essential priority: the message of Christ filling us completely.

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Before Paul addressed our Christian behavior, he first addressed our perspective. He lifted his readers’ eyes beyond the present moment and pointed them toward eternity.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1

Effective Christian living begins with a heavenly focus. When we remember where our true life rests, daily struggles lose their power to dominate our hearts.

When facing a difficult season that has a clear end, our hope grows stronger. We can endure the present by focusing on what lies ahead. Paul encouraged that very logic.

The pressures and temptations of this life won’t last forever. Because of the realities of heaven, we can set our sights on our future in Christ. Paul continued his thought with;

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3

The Message of Christ Calls for Change

Even though our earthly priorities constantly demand our attention, they do not define our identity. A life in Christ calls for a mind shaped by eternal truth rather than temporary desires.

That heavenly focus leads to a practical life change. Paul did not ignore sin or minimize its damage. He directly addressed it by reminding us of our capability in Christ.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Colossians 3:5

The apostle didn’t just throw out a blanket statement; he laid out some specific categories of sin. He listed sins that once ruled the believer’s life, admonishing them to avoid them.

Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Colossians 3:5

These sins thrive when God’s Word fades into the background. They lose power, however, when the message of Christ fills a person’s heart.

Paul then turned to what many consider smaller sins, but which often cause more serious damage within the Christian community.

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Colossians 3:8

These sins surface easily in conversation, during conflict, and in careless moments. They reflect hearts of the old, sinful nature because they no longer submit to Christ’s Word.

Paul reminded his readers that they used to do those worldly things, but salvation changed their identity.

Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:9

Christian growth does not come from self-improvement. It comes from living out who we are in Christ. Therefore, let the message of Christ keep your old nature from arising within you.

The Clarity of Paul’s Writing

A strength of Paul’s writing is its clarity. His instructions often form a list that believers can return to again and again. In Colossians 3, he laid out a pattern for effective Christian living:

Put on your new nature, and be renewed.
Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Make allowance for each other’s faults.
Forgive anyone who offends you.
Clothe yourselves with love.
Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
As members of one body live in peace.
And always be thankful. Colossians 3:10-15

These qualities do not grow through effort alone. They grow when the message of Christ fills our inner being. His message not only informs us, but it transforms our lives.

When Christ’s Word dwells richly within us, it reshapes our attitudes, refocuses our responses, and restores our relationships. That truth brings us back to Colossians 3:16.

Paul emphasized community because spiritual growth never happens in isolation. We must teach and counsel one another with the wisdom Christ supplies with love and gentleness.

Paul also connected the message of Christ to worship. Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs expresses gratitude rooted in truth.

Worship flows naturally from hearts saturated with Christ and His message. When Scripture fills our lives, praise to our God on high rises without effort.

In a world filled with noise, distractions, and competing voices, believers need this reminder more than ever. Our Christian community thrives when Scripture shapes our conversations.

Families grow stronger when the message of Christ guides their decisions. Churches flourish when worship springs from hearts anchored in His truth.

Living a Christian life requires surrendered hearts and minds filled with the message of Christ. It doesn’t take extraordinary ability. His Word supplies wisdom, produces unity, and sustains joy.

Life Application

Make room daily for the message of Christ to shape your thinking and decisions.
Examine areas where old sins still linger and submit them to Scripture.
Practice forgiveness and patience within your Christian community.
Let worship flow naturally from gratitude rooted in God’s truth.
Encourage others by sharing wisdom drawn from the message of Christ.

Lord, our desire centers on living an effective life for Christ. We cannot accomplish this through our own strength. Fill our hearts with the message of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Use Your Word to guide our thoughts, shape our actions, and strengthen our relationships. Thank you for the wisdom you provide through Scripture.