"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."
Colosians 3:17 (ESV)
The wall between secular and spiritual are forever torn down for the believer. We all tend to compartmentalize our lives recognizing the divine right of God to rule in some areas, but holding others with a tight grasp for ourselves. It seems easier to encase God and spiritual things in the religious rituals and activities, while trying to deal with the more practical and less spiritual issues according to the rules of our culture. "Bidness is bidness" was a common adage a generation back that depicted such a perspective. To do everything in Jesus' name has major implications. It means that honoring his name is the primary motivation in everything: thought and action. That helps us make decisions when other factors seem to fail. It is when we forget this overriding purpose that we get into trouble ethically. It means also that we have the authority that is in his name, as we accept his assignment in our work. We pray in his name, because we recognize we have no standing before God on our own. In the same way, we can think and act in his name. We have no ability to carry out his commission unless he grants us the benefits of his name. You could think of living like this: We are living prayers as we act in Jesus' name. Everywhere we go, we are an expression of his presence in the world. Every time we make a decision in the corporate boardroom, we bring his presence. Each time we finish a job with our hands, we leave the aroma of his glory there. This is not some religious restriction placed upon us. It is unbelievable freedom. It is far from the suppressive legalism that suggests we can't do anything except go to church, read the Bible, pray and visit the sick. Rather, it is inviting us to fill our lives with the greatest presence ever known. Remember in the New Testament when Jesus was present everything was different and better? Well, it is the same today. We can actually live in the consciousness of his presence and do everything with the purpose of honoring his name. Paul will go on to show how that looks in the following passages. So we'll look at those next time.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
