March 8
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WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT FOR THE LORD
15 Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. – Colossians 3:15-17
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In this letter, Paul reminds the Colossian believers that they were all called to be united, in one mind, one heart and one body with the peace that dwells in all those who belong to Jesus. It sounds more like a charging or blessing to those who gave their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. He declares to them the peace that will make them be in harmony with one another, bearing the mind of Christ. In verse 16, Paul reminds them of the importance of feeding on the word of God, which brings them all the wisdom to teach and to rebuke and encourage each other. Paul also reproves them to worship the Lord in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, not forgetting the gratitude they ought to speak about. Verse 17 is a very wise word of advice for the believers: all their words and deeds must be done for God and to be grateful to God through their acknowledging His own Son, Jesus, who is the mediator of all believers.
Paul couldn’t stress more the essence of a true believer: they have the peace of Christ in them. In other words, they do not think only of their own selfish agenda. They think for the whole body of believers. They don’t think individually. They follow Christ’s example of unity with God the Father and Holy Spirit. He never operates on His own, but always in harmony with the Father and the Spirit.
How different the “world” operates from God’s kingdom? In the world, the “self” wants to be gratified, not the other. In God’s kingdom, the believers serve others so God can be glorified. Believers rather give than receive.
The wise counsel of Paul in verse 17 is actually the key to living a life that is alive and full. When you do your job thinking that you are doing it for Jesus, your master, would you complain? When you love someone as Christ loves you, wouldn’t you be unconditional too? When we love ourselves as Christ loves us, don’t we begin to keep ourselves holy for the Lord? This is how we show that we operate in God’s law of love.
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REFLECTION
• How does your life change when you do and say everything for the sake of Jesus?