It’s the air we breathe. It’s the water we swim in. It’s second nature, we barely give it a thought. But, if I’m picking up what Paul is laying down this morning, it’s the riches of God.

I’m reading in 1 Corinthians this morning. And three words lift off the page.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge — even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you.

(1Corinthians 1:4-6 ESV)

Enriched in Him . . . That’s what popped. That’s what I’m chewing on.

So many benefits from our union with Christ, so many blessings from being in Him. How many? SO many! In every way, writes Paul, enriched in Him.

Enriched in Him. Just sit in that for a moment.

Regardless of the season, despite the suffering, especially in the sunshine, the great constant is that, from the first moment we believed, we were made rich in Him. All the resources we need for the season, grace sufficient for whatever our suffering, reason upon reason for thanksgiving and rejoicing when we walk in the sunshine. If we are in Christ — and we are — then we are enriched in Him.

Still need convincing? Then chew on how Paul’s “in every way” gets very specific.

. . . in every way you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge . . .

Do you have, as Wuest puts it, a measure of “aptitude in proclaiming the Word”, of talking about the truths in your Bible? Or, do you have, as he again translates it, some “experiential knowledge” of what it’s meant to walk with the Savior — a story or two to tell of how God has shown up in your life through encounters of the divine kind? If so, then see the evidence that you are enriched in Him.

We take for granted that things as simple as knowing our bibles, at whatever level, or of knowing Him, even if we feel it’s way too little, are evidence that we truly are children of light and no longer people of darkness. That any understanding we have of the kingdom, and any experiences we have had with the King, are the fruit of not only being in Christ but, even more, of being enriched in Him.

Does that make sense?

Regardless of how long we’ve walked with Christ, despite how far we think we still have to go, no matter what might be considered the degree of our spiritual maturity, if we are in Him then we are enriched in Him.

And that’s something to rejoice in. That’s something to give thanks for. That’s something worthy of our praise. Amen?

Because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus . . .

For His glory alone.