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Be Joyful in a Negative World

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

I don’t know about you, but for me it is easier to be negative then it is to be positive. The coach and critical thinker in me just seems to rise to the surface more often. We live in a negative world, a highly critical world where the demand for perfection and change is almost required. We, in the church, need to reflect early and often on the words that Paul gave to the church in Colossi. He reminded them to let the words of Christ richly impact them so that they could live a thankful lifestyle. It’s so much harder to be negative and critical when you’re singing praises to God with a thankful heart. When the Word is dwelling in us richly, then we can teach and admonish with wisdom … and not before. I should not be teaching or admonishing anyone with my own strength and wisdom, that helps no one. Many times, I have lashed out at my kids, or spoken to my wife in a tone that was not helpful for her or glorifying to God. It’s only when the Holy Spirit has His grip on me that I should open my mouth and speak words to others.

Let’s invite Christ to dwell in us richly today, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us profoundly today, let’s have our brain think thankful thoughts and our mouth sing praises to the One who ransomed and redeemed us.

Prayer Focus: Lord, search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Have Your way with me today and allow Your Holy Spirit to fill me to overflowing, affecting my thoughts and how I treat others.

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