Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
Colossians 3:17 We should follow Christ in every aspect of our lives
“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 NASB1995
Colossians 3 is all about becoming a new person in Christ. Upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are to “put off the old man” and “put on the new man”, as if we are changing our lives in the same way we change clothes.
This a very joyful chapter, as well as being something that should be required reading for all who have accepted Christ! Paul, in this letter to the people of the church in Colossae in Phrygia (now modern-day Turkey), sets out how Christians are to live after conversion, “for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
The body of a Christian must be “dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed” (Colossians 3:5) as those amount to idolatry. That person must also put aside “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth” (Colossians 3:8) as well as lying (Colossians 3:9).
After “putting off the old man”, it is time to “put on the new man.” Paul’s instruction is clear and concise — “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12), bearing with each other and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:13), and above all else, “put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:14).
Paul continues, telling the Colossians to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15) and to “let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16), the latter being done through teaching and admonishing others “with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your heart to God” (Colossians 3:16).
There it is: a beautifully written “Getting Started” manual for new Christians! Paul ends this section of Colossians 3 with today’s verse with a reminder to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him to God the Father”.
What does it mean to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”? It means to live one’s life, up until earthly death, for Jesus. It means seeking to do only those things that may be done in the name of Lord Jesus. Whoever does deeds or speaks words knowing that they are being done in the name of Lord Jesus will persevere in doing those things, no matter how difficult.
We should follow Christ in every aspect of our lives. Whatever we do or think as believers must be compatible with the example Jesus set for our lives.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, You are the source of my abilities, talents, and strengths. I commit all of those attributes to You. Whatever I do or say today, help me do it for Your glory and in Your name. Let all of my actions and deeds be of service to Your kingdom, and let the light of Jesus Christ shine through me to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.