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A Biblical Call to Praise: Part 3
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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16
"In all wisdom..."
Often an anthem that the Senior Choir sings contains much Scripture, either in a paraphrase form or a literal rendering of the Scriptural text. One of our favorite anthems, for example, is, "Create in me a clean heart, O God" by Carl Mueller. It is a literal rendering of King David's classic Psalm 51 (Verses 10-13) on man's repentance and God's great forgiveness of sin. By singing this anthem, particularly during the time of Lent, we have the opportunity to let these wonderful verses penetrate our minds and hearts--and then our actions. As we review (and memorize!) Colossians 3:16, this same opportunity awaits the choir.
The small clause "in all wisdom" is an important aspect of this verse, and to the theme that St. Paul is imparting to the church of Colosse and to us. "Wisdom" is an important word in Scripture. It's used over 160 times in the Old Testament and over 50 times in the New Testament. Hence, it's a word that we need to understand and implement in our Christian life!
The book of Proverbs helps us understand that wisdom is an attribute that is vital for Christians. it is foundational to a Spirit filled life for every Believer. "Wisdom in the Bible includes: Knowledge, understanding, instruction, discretion, and obedience--and it is built on the fear of the Lord and the word of God." (J. MacArthur)
Another way of thinking wisdom is that a man is wise when he exchanges his own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals for God's. Wisdom, then, is a mental discipline that matures a person for spiritual discernment and action.
These thoughts fit perfectly with Col. 3:16. When we let the "Word of Christ" control us, we have the ability to live the godly life that God intended for each of His blood-bought ones. Thus, as we live a life controlled by His word, we must not only memorize the Word of god, but sing it as well.
And it is in singing that the Word of God can penetrate to the very depths of our being. May each choir member purpose (again) to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..." May our song always be: To God be the Glory!