The writer of Colossians is a bit of a genius. I don’t know that he always gets the credit he deserves. His understanding of his audience is uncanny. And in chapter three of his letter, he not only finds a way to reassure the anxious Colossians, but drills down to the root of their problem.
The writer sees that neighboring religions (Iranian astrology, Phrygian nature worship and the wisdom teaching of various local mystery cults) have begun to draw the congregation away from their Christian commitments. He surmises that the magical charms, astrological charts, mystical visions and promises of angel protection associated with these religions constitute a good part of the appeal. The lure of spiritual insurance, the comfort of step-by-step instructions and a belief that somehow access to God can be guaranteed appeal to the Colossians. These ideas are leading them off the path of faith. “Is Christ enough?” he hears them asking. His answer comes thundering back.
The writer of Colossians is nothing if not confident. The words fly up from the page: “Christ is all in all!” he says (3:11). “The Christ you have – the Christ that is already in you – is enough. Enough, when the heavens above and the world around you are exploding. Enough, though the never-ending questions dog your steps. Enough when your leaders fail you, when your children go their own way, when the earth seems to shift under your very feet. Enough.” And just when you think he might be about to drop the get-your-act-together hammer, he pivots.
After the grand statement in verse 11, another writer might have gone on to harangue the Corinthians about their lack of faith or poured righteous indignation out of their heads. But the writer of Colossians seems to view the congregation’s predicament with some sympathy. He sees them drowning in the social and spiritual chaos of their day and his heart goes out to them. Instead of scolding, he offers them a surprising antidote. “Sing,” he says.
He is interested in reassuring them and in reigniting their faith, but also in dealing with their issues with control. We can almost hear him. “What I want you to do is not redouble your efforts to get your homework done, not fortify yourselves with the latest apps and hi-tech organizers, not turn your refrigerator into a color-coded master calendar. Not tighten your jaw. Not hunker down. What I want you to do is linger, bask, sing.” He is asking them to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly.
It’s what the Colossians needed and it’s what many of us need, too. Of course, during times of social and spiritual chaos, mighty works, heroic effort and courageous acts of social witness have their place. Without a doubt. But so does letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. The one supports the other, in fact. You might even say the difference between the social action of Christ’s followers and any other kind is that Christ’s followers are motivated by faith — faith fed, fueled and funded by the Word.
So, 21st century church, let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom and sing praise choruses and Edwardian hymns and Taizé songs with thankfulness in your heart to God. Tell each other your faith stories and join the chancel choir. Read Scripture. Savor the words in your mouth and hold them lovingly up against your hard palate and down behind your lower front teeth. Learn to read them in Greek, sign them in American Sign Language or sing them in Latin. It will slow you down and force you to linger. Let it dwell, church. Let it dwell.
Jana Childers is dean and vice president for academic affairs at San Francisco Theological Seminary.
