If “let the peace of God rule in your hearts,” and “let the word of God richly dwell within you,” were not high bars enough (Colossians 3:15-16), Paul caps off his lofty expectations with this “catch all” command.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Whoever can pull off this trifecta cannot fail to stand out as different, all in a good way. I think of Daniel, in whom no shortfall is mentioned, who faithfully and consistently served multiple kings over his 85 years of life. In the old days they’d call someone like him, “Mr. Goody Two Shoes.”
There is no aspect of our lives, no particular arena in which we operate that is exempt. The word for “whatever” means to “pan all.” This puts all of life in the shot. You can’t please God with saintly platitudes in church while in a different venue dropping a few choice words, or being a model of discretion in public, but fudging numbers in private. A Christian should be one in public and in private. You shouldn’t have to Photoshop your life to square with the character of the Lord Jesus.
You shouldn’t have to Photoshop your life to square with the character of the Lord Jesus.
I am thrilled to hear athletes give credit or glory to God for their performances, but ecstatic when they channel their appreciation through Jesus, calling him out by name. It should always be, “thank you Jesus!” He’ll make doubly sure the message is passed along to “God the Father.”
I was so pleased to witness the world’s greatest female hurdler lift her open hands to the sky and mouth “thank you Jesus” after setting a new world record. But honestly, there is nothing done in life not worthy of such praise.
Leave a Reply