Be thankful for your service to God.

Part 1

The Apostle Paul is one who makes it clear that a believer’s life is to be significantly changed from his previous life as a lost sinner.  What a believer was before his salvation, as shameful as it was, is now different as a believer.  In the old life, in the past, he lived for self, but as a believer, he lives for his Savior.  In today’s verse, we see how important our words and actions are as a child of God.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,”
In these simple words, we see the importance of every part of the believer’s life.  “Whatsoever ye do” covers every aspect of life.  “Literally, ‘And everything whatsoever ye do … do all’….”  It’s the “everything” you do command, no exceptions.

This command covers our “words.”  Jesus was clear about the importance of all of our words when He taught.  It isn’t just the important words that we speak that count.  It’s every word that matters, the important words and the “idle” words.  Jesus said,

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment,” (Matthew 12:36).

When we come together to help brothers who are not getting along, “every word” spoken by them is important.

“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established,” (Matthew 18:16).

It also covers all of our “deeds.”  Not only our words alone, but also our deeds, actions, and works, need to be done thoughtfully, carefully.  Each one is important to God.  “Either it is a mere empty exaggeration, or it goes to the extent of applying to all the acts of man’s life, important or unimportant.  And it is plain, that for such to be the case it must propose to us some motive, and some rule, which shall touch that daily life at every point.”  Our motives for doing what we do are important.

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed – Let your words be right, and your actions upright.”

Come back tomorrow when we learn how to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

1.  Jamison, Fausset, and Brown. Jamison-Fausset-Brown’s Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
2.  Sermon Bible, The Sermon Bible Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.