Your Heart Must Be in It

“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 

Most of us have interests and potential projects that flicker across the screen of our imagination from time to time. I wonder if I should learn Spanish. I could probably be a mentor to a troubled teen. But we rarely get engaged in anything unless our heart is truly in it. When my heart is in something, I give it full energy and affection. I can’t wait to be involved in it. Today’s Scripture reads, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”  

To follow Jesus closely, your heart must be full of Him. You can’t get closer to the Person of Christ unless He has your heart. It’s not enough to entertain thoughts of Jesus; He must grip your affections. It’s not enough to meditate on Him; you must feel something for Him. That’s what it means to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). And notice this—the heart comes first. 

Dear Jesus, I hold You in my mind today because I have read Your Word and considered who You are to me. Now may those good and true thoughts of You flow into my deepest affections. There is so much more room in my heart to love You and adore You. Fill me, please, with the love I truly desire.