"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17
Part 2
Yesterday we learned that our actions and words must be done for Christ.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,”
“Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,”
Here is our motivation, our reason for living, our drive for what we do and what we say. We do and say what we do for Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Begin with him, and end with him; invoke his name, and pray for his direction and support, in all that ye do; and thus every work will be crowned with all requisite success. Doing every thing in the name of God, and referring every thing to his glory, is as rational as it is pious.”1 Clarke
“Do it all because he requires and commands it, and with a desire to honor him. His authority should be the warrant; his glory the aim of all our actions and words.”2 Barnes
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
As believers, we are doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This means that we give thought to what we say and do so that we do not drag the name of Jesus through the mud. It’s not about doing what I want to do, it’s about living for Him, always mindful of His claim on my life.
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s,” (Romans 14:8).
“Giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Our praises and prayers go to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Mediator. We speak to the Father through His Son, by means of the Holy Spirit. All of our words and deeds are attached with “thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6). We are thankful to the Lord that we may live for Him, and to say and do all for Him, in His name. We are grateful for the privilege of serving Him, representing Him, and living for Him.
Before we speak or act, we need to think, “will this action or these words bring glory to God?” If so, use them. If not, forget about them! We live for Him!
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring,” (Acts 17:28).
1. Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
2. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.