Let the Message of Christ Dwell Among Us Richly

(A reflection for our music team)

Over the past two weekends, our music team has spent time together being trained and encouraged by Joel — not just in music, but in heart. We looked together at Colossians 3, and what an incredible passage it is. It lifts our eyes to the highest realities: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand.”

That’s the foundation for all true Christian worship. We don’t sing simply because it sounds good, or because it stirs emotion, or even because it helps others connect — though it does all those things. We sing because our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. The old life is gone. The new life — the real life — has already begun. And as we wait for the day when Christ appears and we share in His glory, we keep lifting our hearts and voices toward that heavenly reality.

Paul calls us to put to death the old ways — selfishness, pride, greed, anger — and to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It’s a beautiful picture, isn’t it? The same hands that strum, play, and lift in worship are to be clothed with gentleness. The same voices that lead our congregation in praise are to be full of kindness and humility.

And then comes this great call: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with thankful hearts.”

That’s what we’re doing every Sunday. Every rehearsal. Every prayer huddle before a service. We’re letting the gospel — the message of Christ — take up residence among us. Our songs aren’t just sound; they’re sermons to one another. Our harmonies aren’t just music; they’re ministry.

And it’s all to be done with thankful hearts.

Thankfulness keeps worship warm. It guards against performance and pride. It reminds us that every breath, every note, every grace we receive is from Him.

So as we move forward from our training weekends, let’s keep setting our hearts on the realities of heaven. Let’s sing with gratitude for what Jesus has done, and for who we are now — hidden with Him, raised with Him, and one day to be glorified with Him.

Let’s let the message of Christ dwell among us richly — in our songs, our relationships, our teamwork, and our joy.

Because when the church sings with thankful hearts, Christ is made known.