Col 3:17 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. (ESV)
What does it mean to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus? According to verse 11 it means that we no longer identify ourselves by our social standing, but by our identity in Christ.
Col 3:11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (ESV)
Verses 12-16 reinforce this by calling believers to live out the character of Christ in the peace of Christ according to the word of Christ. Verse 18 through Colossians 4:1 clarify that doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus affects how we live in family and household relationships. Wives are to submit to their husbands. Husbands are to love their wives. Children are to obey their parents. Parents are not to provoke or discourage their children. Servants are to obey their masters as if they were serving the Lord, trusting God to set all things right. Masters are to treat their servants fairly and justly. All of that is done in the context of giving thanks.
In other words, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus affects how we think about ourselves, how we live and how we relate to other people. It's not so much about doing things well or with excellence as it is about doing things in a manner that reflects the character of Christ. In doing that giving thanks appears to be a key element. Verse 15 says to let the peace if Christ rule in us with thanksgiving. Verse 16 encourages us to let the word if Christ dwell in us with thanksgiving. Verse 17 instructs is to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 reminds us to continue praying with thanksgiving. Perhaps we struggle with these other areas of our lives precisely because we are not thankful.
Father, forgive me for how often I live with my mind fixed on the messes of life. Today, with thanksgiving may I walk with my mind set on things above doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Father, thank you for reminding me to look up.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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