Hungering for the Word

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 

Colossians 3:16

If I could wish one thing for you, it would be that you would have a love for the Word.  At the beginning of this third chapter in Colossians, Paul instructs us to set our minds on things above, not on the things of the earth.  The way to do that, is to have our minds filled with the Word.

In the body of Christ, our desire for each other should be for what Jesus laid hold of us - the molding and  transforming us into His image.  That was Paul's passion and for what he worked.  He wrote the Galatians, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you."  That happens when we are in the Word, walking in obedience, surrendering our will more and more to the Father's will. 

If you don't have an appetite for the Word, how do you develop one?  The same way you do with any food.  You take a bite, and then another bite, and then another bite.  The psalmist wrote, "Oh taste and see, that the Lord is good."  If it's been awhile since you've picked up your Bible, don't go to bed tonight without doing so.  I'd like to suggest that you read John 14-17.  It won't take long.  These are Jesus words of comfort to His disciples just prior to His death.  There is much instruction there for us.  We also clearly see the heart of Jesus for us.  This passage is rich in learning about the character of the Father and the Son.  In chapter 17, Jesus actually prays for you and me.  Do you know what Jesus prays for you?  I'm not going to tell you, I want you to look for yourself.  

What we long for is an indication of the condition of our hearts.  We need His Word in us, to do battle with our sinful flesh.  We need His Word in us, so we know what pleases Him.  We need His Word in us, so we can encourage others.  We need His Word in us, especially as we draw closer to His return.  Perilous times are coming.  We need His Word in us, so we become more and more like Him.  When His Word is in us, dwelling richly, and we walk in obedience, Jesus is glorified, and that is what life is all about.