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"Whatever You Do..."
In Colossians chapter three, verse seventeen says: "And
whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through Him."
It is worthy of thought, that this verse is comprehensive -- in that it covers
"whatever you do." There is the temptation to segment your life into
departments: The financial department, the family department, the career
department, the recreation department, and the religious department. Having made
these separations, it's easy to think of "the religious department" as just one
portion of your life, set aside neatly from the other aspects. But in this
verse, there is that comprehensive "whatever you do." This should tell us that
as Christians, every aspect of our life ought to be under the rule of Christ.
The New Testament knows nothing of a separate "religious" part of your life,
that's divorced from everything else. Whatever we do, and in all that we do --
in word or deed -- we must live "in the name of the Lord Jesus."
When you sign your name to a check, you are giving the bank authority to pay the
holder the amount specified. When you sign your name to a contract, you are
authorizing work to be done, or services to be rendered, as stated in the
contract. When you sign your name to a petition, you are giving your approval,
as an authorized voter and tax payer, to the subject or message of that
petition. IN THESE ILLUSTRATIONS, DRAWN FROM DAILY LIFE, WHAT DO WE SEE? Your
name carries the weight of your authority. So, if something is done IN YOUR
NAME, it is done BY YOUR AUTHORITY.
Now, in the context of Colossians chapter three, if I'm seeking those things
above...If the peace of God is ruling in my heart...And, if the Word of Christ
is dwelling in me, WHATEVER I DO, I'LL DO IN THE NAME OF CHRIST... that is, by
His authority.
We hope the Bible study opportunities offered in EXPOSITORY FILES make a
positive contribution to your efforts to live under the authority of Jesus
Christ, and do all in His name.
By Warren E. Berkley
The Final Pages
From Expository Files 2.4; April, 1995
