16 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. 17 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.
The most beautiful singing I ever heard was not in an opera house but in a homeless mission in Glasgow, Scotland. There I met a man who had lived at the mission because he was disowned by his Jewish family for becoming a Christian. He became the director of the mission. The worship there was beautiful, not because of its harmony. There was little of that, in fact. It was because they embodied these verses by Paul to the church in Colossae. The gospel saturated their lives so thoroughly that the most strident atheist would have been moved. I certainly was. I had given my testimony minutes before so what Jesus did for me was fresh in my mind. I will never forget it.
Unfortunately, many churches have forgotten and ceased to sing in thanksgiving. Instead, they choose to fight each other about songs, paint, and carpet. It seems Paul covered all the musical bases here. What is most important is that the gospel helps us to do everything, sing, pray, give, and preach in the name of Jesus. Today, may the word of God dwell in all of us so it can indwell someone who hears us sing, no matter how talented we are.
Dear Lord, thank you for a reason to sing. You have given us salvation through Jesus Christ so help us sing loud enough for people to hear and see that you are Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church