Displaying God’s Glory in Your Community

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

 Do you know that you are a magnificent display of God’s glory? 

My home city is a few hours from the Gulf Coast of Florida. Like many, I’ve traveled on vacation and enjoyed the magnificent sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The sun lowers itself behind a patchwork of clouds, coloring them vivid hues of purple, pink, and orange. I’ve often thought, “How great and glorious is our God!” watching His creation paint such a magnificent display.

 But, did you know that you never have to travel far just to see God’s glory? Today’s verse declares that the divine thoughts and Words of Christ dwell in us as we teach, warn, counsel, and exhort others with the message of Christ. When you share God’s Word, He displays His glory through you.

The Greek word in this verse for “dwell” can also be translated as “settled” or “at home”. It means you allow the Word of God to settle and be at home in your heart. God’s Word takes up residence in your life, evicting any other thoughts or ways that are not from Him. 

Another way to translate “richly” in this verse is “abundantly”. When you feast on God’s Word, consistently and constantly, you experience divine overflow. You begin to have songs, words, wisdom, and gratitude flow from your heart to share with others. All of this, today’s verse declares, is from the Holy Spirit. 

Discouraged? The Holy Spirit will give you a song of praise to share even though you may not feel like singing. 

Disappointed? Let your heart be filled with gratitude to God and talk about it with a friend. 

Uncertain about a situation or decision? Receive the Spirit’s wisdom for your own life and His encouragement to share with others. 

When you share the story of God’s work in your life, the abundance of His glory shines through you. His Word and His power are on rich display as you serve and connect with others in the name of Jesus, showing the vivid hues of His glory.

Prayer: God, May my life and the people of my local church show Your glory each and every day by the way we live, love, serve, and share in our community. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, filling us with praise, wisdom and encouragement. Help us to put You first in all things so that we display Your glory to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.