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.
This little verse sums up in a nutshell what the Christian’s life should look like and how the born-again believer should behave moment by moment, in word and in deed, in mind and in motive. There is a reason we are called to live as Christ lived. Because the world will look at our lives, at the way we live, at the things we say and do, and reflect those images onto Jesus. They will see him as they see us. Nothing brings greater disgrace to the cause of Christ than people who claim to know him but live in anger and judgment and arrogance. People who live in sin and hypocrisy within the church. And the reverse is also true. Nothing brings greater honor to Christ than people who exude a lifestyle of love and compassion and kindness. People who see others as Jesus sees them and treat other people the way that Jesus would treat them. People who live as Christ would live. Every day you and I have to make that choice. It is already a given that our actions will reflect on Jesus, but what we reflect is a decision we have to make. A decision we make day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. Will we choose to live in grace and kindness and mercy? Will we choose forgiveness over retaliation? Or will we live in bitterness and hypocrisy? The question should not be, “What would Jesus do?” but, “Can this action be carried out in the name of Jesus and to His glory? Can the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be done in the name of Jesus? Is what I say and do honoring Him? Is what I am and what I think worthy of Him, and is my behavior an accurate reflection of His holy name, or would I be ashamed if He were to catch me in the very act?” Were we to faithfully apply this verse in our everyday, mundane life, how quickly we would unbolt the portal to our pain and bathe our problems in His perfect peace. Were we to live our lives in full submission to this godly truth, how many difficulties would disappear, and how many obstacles would become glorious opportunities to lift up His name in thankful praise to God the Father? Were we to do everything in word and in deed in the name of the Lord Jesus and live our lives in total dependence upon Him through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving and praise, how honoring this would be to our Heavenly Father. By grace through faith in Him we are eternally joined with the Lord Jesus, identified with His righteousness, in union with Him, and a member of His body. Whatever we do in word and in deed no matter what it is, let us do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in total dependence upon Him. Let us remember that we are witnesses of His grace and His chosen representatives on earth. May all we do in word or deed be done in His name, giving praise and thanksgiving to God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. What we decide makes all the difference in how the world reacts to God’s message of hope and salvation. We can be sure the world is watching…so choose wisely!
Spiritual Steve 