Overflowing with the Word
Colossians 3:14-16
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The most famous miser from literature is probably Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The character was based at least in part on a member of Parliament named John Elwes. Though he had inherited the modern equivalent of more than $30 million, Elwes lived like a pauper. He went to bed when the sun went down to avoid buying candles. He refused to build a fire to dry out his clothes after being caught out in the rain because of the cost of firewood. He wore such ragged clothing that he was sometimes mistaken for a beggar and given money by people he passed in the street. Elwes had great resources, but he didn't use them and so lived as if he had nothing.
In the Bible, God has given us an incredible resource filled with His wisdom and instruction for life. Peter wrote, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Yet despite the wonders of the Word of God, too many believers live like they have nothing. The Bible does not overflow in their hearts and minds. They turn to the Scriptures only as a last resort, after they have consulted other secular or religious sources. The Bible is a treasure that only increases as we use it, unlike human treasure that quickly flees away. Our lives should reflect our commitment to living in the Word as our overflowing and abundant treasure.
Growth Principle:
We can never exhaust all of the treasures and promises God has given to us in His Word.