The Word of Christ in You

Colossians 3:16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.”

The Bible rarely commands us to sing, but before singing, the Word must dwell richly within us. This is not about material abundance or intellectual knowledge—it is about allowing Christ’s teaching to take root, to settle, and to remain in our thoughts. His Word must live in our minds. This is why psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs help us. Paul highlights music because singing, remembering, and repeating truth is a powerful way to communicate spiritual realities. Singing together as one voice strengthens our spiritual experience and nourishes our faith.

The text also says, “singing with grace.” We should not sing without joy, without interest, without gratitude, or without thinking about the words. Praise must come from a heart that recognizes everything God has done for us. Praise becomes an act of worship—a sacred moment of honor and gratitude to God.

Our new life in Christ is revealed when every word and every action is done under the authority and character of our Savior, in a constant state of gratitude and joy.

Colossians 3:17 says: “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.”

Everything we do must be done for God’s glory. No area of our life is outside the lordship of Christ. From the smallest detail to the most significant decision, everything belongs to God, and Christ must dwell there. Acting “in the name of the Lord Jesus” means living in His will, keeping His principles, and seeking to be like Him.

Living the new life in Christ means allowing His Word to become our compass—our guide. When the peace of God rules in us, differences of character begin to fade. When we are filled with the love of Christ, that truth begins to transform us. These Scriptures, these biblical messages, lead us to sing with grace, to sing hymns and psalms, and to turn the ordinary into something sacred.

We must do everything in the name of Jesus. This requires us to forget and abandon every self-centered thought, every attachment to our own plans and decisions. We must ensure that Christ is the One who governs us, leads us, helps us, and fills our hearts with the wonderful hope that one day He will return and take us to the place He has prepared.

But Christ must first dwell in us here on earth. Heaven’s reward will be the result of living in this world with the Lord reigning in every decision, every thought, and every action.

The book Acts of the Apostles says: “When the Spirit of God takes possession of the mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song.” This happens because the believer recognizes that God’s promise has been fulfilled in his experience—that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered, and he has felt repentance toward God and faith in Christ, who died for his justification. “Being justified by faith, he has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

But after reaching this experience, the Christian must not fold his arms and become complacent. Anyone determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of the unregenerate nature—supported by the forces of darkness—are ready to attack. Every day he must renew his consecration. Every day he must battle against sin.

Conversion is not a one-day event. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong battle in which we must depend on Jesus daily. We must lift our eyes above earthly things. We must trust that Christ’s power is sufficient to give us victory over every tendency, habit, sin, and temptation—if we renew our surrender each morning.

We cannot overcome alone. We cannot overcome by seeking Christ only once a month or once a year. Living with Christ requires total transformation—beginning in the mind and manifesting in all our relationships and actions. When we rise with Christ, when we live in Christ, when we receive His power, the self must die. We must put to death what is earthly. And when the earthly dies, we must clothe ourselves with His character—His love, His image, His peace.

Let the Word of God fill your life. Let it make you grateful. Let it lead you into a sanctified, obedient life.

And we invite you today week to say to the Lord: “I want to live and be like Jesus.”

BY PASTOR JOSE HERREÑO—TRANSLATED BY MARTHA CARR