Today, I want to go over one of my favorite Bible verses:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17
This past week, I’ve been re-reading this passage along its context and have some takeaways I’d like to share:
Starting in chapter 3, the author Paul urges the church in Colossae to set their minds of things above rather than worldly things. In verses 5-11, he then says to put to death worldly virtues of sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, etc.
This leads into the section where Colossians 3:17 is found, which starts in verse 12. I would love for you to read the whole section:
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How beautiful is that! Paul urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, ‘putting off’ the old self and ‘putting on’ the new self. He praises the virtues of the new self (kindness, humility, patience, etc.) and condemns the virtues of the old, worldly self. He also covers topics like forgiveness, love, and unity.
There is so much to unpack here, but I want to remain focused on verse 17 and what it means. More specifically, what does “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” mean?
In line with his character,
by his grace and power,
to his glory, and
with thankfulness
To put these together, here is what it means: To act and speak in line with his character, by his grace and power, to his glory, and with thankfulness.
This is how I’m striving to live my life, and this is my focus for the coming weeks. Before I act or say something, I want to ask myself: “Am I acting in the name of my Lord Jesus?” This makes everything I do, even monotonous, daily tasks, an act of worship.
If the Spirit is convicting you, I recommend you join me on this journey.
Keep making progress. Change for the better. Live the Heming-way.
God bless,
Trevor
p.s. read the passage again. It’s too good to only read once :)