His Correction. Colossians 3:16. We are free in many ways because we have been saved by God’s grace and made members of His family. Our punishment for sin is over; it was laid upon God's Son when He showed His love by dying for us and paying the price for our sins. We are free because God Himself is satisfied that justice has been done in a right way. Through Christ's blood and resurrection, we are freely justified.
Another type of liberty requires guidelines to function properly. It is like the controlled freedom of airplanes flying on autopilot. Although they are free to fly, there are established courses they follow. Restrictions come from the controller, the pilot, whom we trust, believing He knows what is right and won't lie. The word of Christ is similar; we submit to His control. We trust in Him completely with body, spirit, and soul. His wisdom is limitless; He knows what lies ahead. When His word lives in us richly, we can trust Him without fear of failure.
I am impressed with the fact that everything of value has Christ as its source:
- The grace of Christ, v.12-14: every evidence of real Christianity in me has its source in the grace of Christ that has granted me forgiveness. That grace continues throughout life, providing the impetus to live a Christ-like life.
- The peace of Christ, v.15: the umpire or whistle-blower is such a vital part of living that it surprises me I would even try to make a move without it. Yet, sometimes, it seems that I try to act without assurance from God, and the peace is lost. Lord, keep me agitated until I have that peace from Thee.
- The word of Christ, v.16: there is no way a casual stroll through a book of the Bible can be considered “dwelling in you richly.” That richness comes from reading, learning, knowing, and practicing the word of Christ. When the word of Christ “dwells,” it is at home, feels comfortable, and knows it belongs there. I pray that it feels comfortable in me, as I feel comfortable with it.
- The name of Christ, v.17: there is an authority in that name. There is dignity in that name. There is power in that name. There is a privilege in being associated with that name. That name is responsible. There is life in that name.
One way to express trust is through the songs we sing. We offer praises in psalms and spiritual songs that uplift our souls and spirits when we sing with grace unto the Lord. That trust is genuine to Him and us, who have His unfailing Word “dwelling” in us, and by faith, we demonstrate it outwardly. Another interesting fact is that if Christ's word does dwell in me, others will be taught and learn from what they see and hear of the Lord Jesus Christ in me. True grace in the heart is not something I can fake or hide. That becomes clear when I abide in Christ.
When I need correction, it might come from others who lived long ago and ministered to me through a spiritual song they wrote, or it may occur when I am told I am wrong by the word of Christ. It is a great comfort that I cannot do what I want alone and without guidance. What could be more meaningful and better than when two share truth as one, singing divine truth?
The “word of Christ” refers to what He taught during His time here, and that has been passed down to us through holy men who recorded what the Holy Spirit inspired them to write. Some of these words were probably memorized before the scriptures were widely accessible. Other words were learned and preserved in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Paul included some of these in his writings: Col. 1:15-20; Eph. 5:14; Phil. 2:6-10; 1 Tim. 3:16. In these Christian hymns, doctrines were preserved, taught, promoted, and deeply impressed on the hearts of God’s people.
In a general sense, a hymn is a song of praise often used at special times, like when we sing at the Lord’s Supper. A hymn focuses on God for who He is, with the purpose of giving united expressions of honor and appreciation. A spiritual song, like those in Rev.5:9 or Rev.15:3, praises God for His actions and recounts them in words sung together in unity. Psalms may include both. When human voices are united, it is important to ensure the words are understandable and that attention stays on them. Joining voices in harmonious notes sung simultaneously and in tempo makes the message they carry beautiful, harmonious, and clear rather than a discordant chant.
There is a proper order in how our Christian faith is practically lived out in daily life. Grace is the source of this new life, and peace is the experience of it. Thankfulness is the natural result. To make all of this happen, we need the word of Christ to dwell in us fully. It must be claimed personally so we can become what we are meant to be. When the word dwells in us, it stays there permanently and takes ownership, not just as a visitor. It enriches and fills our lives with God's good gifts. In a thankful person, expressing gratitude and experiencing peace are the best ways to maintain our fellowship.
When we lose that peace, we must pause and correct the wrong by applying God's word to our hearts. Praise, worship, and genuine expressions of thanks lead us to heartfelt singing. Singing with grace in our hearts is especially valued by others, the Lord, and ourselves. The outward display of inward appreciation brings comfort and contentment to the heart, joy to the soul, and a song to our lips. Through these acts of gratitude, we avoid discontentment and are inspired to take stock of all our blessings and openly declare God’s goodness.
In singing, we learn to plant truth in our hearts; we are advised to remove error by exposing it and comparing it with what was in the past and what we have now. Consider, then, that “singing” gives verbal expression to thoughts in unison and harmony. “Singing with grace” includes words of gratitude, thanksgiving, love, and praise. “Whoso offers praise, glorifies God.” “Singing with grace in our hearts” reflects our thankfulness. Heartfelt singing may be influenced by temperament, but singing with the heart is a sincere expression of God’s goodness that yields good results. “Singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord” plants divine truth in us even as we praise Him, who is the object of our praise. Singing can express worship when it is “To the Lord.”
Reflecting on God, His goodness, grace, mercy, and love can become a habit when we learn words and set them to music. Young children remember words of truth better through song than if they are spoken without melody. James wrote that when we are sad, we should pray; when we are happy, we should sing.