In review of Colossians 3:17 it says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Bottom Line:
Everything you do, do as a representative of Christ
What this means to me:
Whatever I do or say, I need to remember that I am a representative of Jesus
Today’s verse comes from Colossians 3. In it Paul instructs me to put to death, the sinful, earthly things that are lurking within me. Greediness on my part leads to idolatry in which I end up worship unconsciously the things of this world. Paul tells me to put on my new nature, and be renewed inside as I learn to know and become link my Creator. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in me. I need to learn to make allowances for other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends me, just as the Lord forgave me. Above all I am to clothe myself with love, which binds me together in perfect harmony with other believers. I should let the peace that comes from Christ rule in my heart.
I am to let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill my life. Then I can share, teach and counsel others with the wisdom he provides. I find way to give thanks through him to God the Father. I need to remember that whatever I do or say, I do as a representative of the Lord Jesus. To put on my true nature means my conduct should match my faith. It is more than making good resolutions and having good intentions; it requires taking the right actions.
The more I know of Christ and his work, the more I'm being changed to be like him. I must never stop learning and obeying, for there is no justification in just drifting along. There is an incentive to find the rich treasures of growing in him. It takes practice, ongoing review, patience, and concentration to keep in line with his will.
In the verses before this, Paul offers a strategy that will help me live for God day by day: (1) imitate Christ's compassionate, forgiving attitude, (2) let love guide my life, (3) let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, (4) always be thankful, (5) keep God's Word in me at all times, (6) live as Jesus Christ's representative.
Paul tells me to let Christ's peace be umpire or referee in my heart. My heart is the center of conflict because there my feelings and desires clash, my fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love.
As a thankful person, gratitude will open my heart to God's peace, enabling me to put on love. In contrast a discontented person will constantly calculate what's wrong with their life. One way to help me increase my thankfulness would be to take an inventory of all I have (including relationships, memories, abilities, family and even material possessions.) I can then use the inventory in prayers of gratitude.
In summary, whatever I do or say, do it as a representative of Jesus, means bringing honor to Christ in every aspect and activity of daily living. As one of his followers I represent Christ at all times, wherever I go and whatever I say.
God will not judge me in eternity for what others do wrong, but He will reward me for what I do right. People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. But I need to love them anyway. I need to get up each day and give it my best! With the help of Jesus, nothing is impossible for me.
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