There’s definitely much to be said about the Christian life. But if you had to summarize it in one sentence, it might go like this:
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. – Colossians 3:17
This sentence was penned by the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the church in Colosse. And it’s in the context of putting on the new self.
With everything that the Christian does, whether in word or deed, he is to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. In other words, what the Christian does with this new self is on behalf of, with the power of, and with the authority of the Lord Jesus. And it’s for His glory and honor.
And here’s the manner in which it’s done: giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Christ is the Mediator, and it’s only through Him that Christians have access to the Almighty. We are reminded of the grace through faith that has been given to us, and we are called to give thanks.
So, in summary, the Christian life is about doing everything, whether by word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him. Of course, this summary isn’t enough. Just as knowing the Greatest Commandnent verses isn’t enough to know all which pleases God, neither is this verse enough to guide is completely. In other words, we need to know what we can and can’t do in the name of the Lord Jesus. Certainly, we can’t sin in the name of the Lord. We can’t worship another god in the name of the Lord.
So, while this presents an appropriate summary for us in one sentence, we need all of Scripture to understand the full impact of what it means. So, as we seek to do everything in His name, let us search out what He has said to do.
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