Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

Most church leaders long to see the people they serve become a people who teach and encourage one another in the Christian faith, who graciously apply wisdom to each other’s hearts.

Most church leaders envision a body of believers who worship and praise God, not out of mere obligation but out of hearts that are filled with gratitude for His grace.

According to the apostle Paul, if we want a people who are filled with gratitude, who worship out of thankfulness, who are able to teach and admonish one another with wisdom, then one thing must happen—The word of Christ must dwell, must live, richly among us.

Not scarcely among us. Not in small doses among us. But richly among us.

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among the people you serve.

Eric Geiger serves as one of the Vice Presidents at LifeWay Christian Resources, leading the Church Resources Division. He has authored or co-authored several books including Simple Church and Creature of the Word. Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie. You can connect with him on twitter.