Whatever You Do!

Several weeks ago, when I posted my most recent study from Colossians chapter 3, I referred to two directives that allow us to keep our heart’s closet clean and fresh.

1. Allow the Peace of Christ to rule (be the final judge-as an umpire) in our heart-vs. 15

2  Allow the Word of God to dwell (take up residence) richly in our heart-vs. 16

If we choose to allow the Peace of Christ and the Word of God to control the thoughts and responses of our heart, then we can keep our heart’s closet clean and fresh. We can throw out the old, filthy ‘clothes’ of our past live (vss. 5-9). We can wear the ‘outfits’ of compassion, kindness, and humility (vs. 12). We can wear the dress of meekness (vs. 12).  We can put on the suit of longsuffering (patience) and the sweater of forgiveness (vs.13). And, we can accessorize it all with love (vs.14). (See archives for these past posts.)

Now, Paul encourages his readers to stop and think one more time about the importance of one’s attitude as we continue to grow in our Christian life. He wraps it all up in verse 17 by admonishing the young Colossian believers that WHATEVER they do in WORD or DEED (life actions) to do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…

These same words hold true for believers today. WHATEVER we do—there is no separation between our Sunday life and our Monday-Saturday life. WHATEVER we do! WHATEVER we say! It should all be done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our actions, our words should represent Christ.  The editors of the Expositor’s Bible Commentary state that everything we do should be done as followers of God; as His representatives.

Stop and think for a moment about when you are wearing a polo shirt with your business, school, or church printed on the front. Are you a little more careful about what you say or do? Are you a little more careful about how you respond to a situation? What about when you are driving the company car?

 How much more careful should we be when we consider that we are representing the One who brought us new life in Christ (vs. 1-4)? 

Yes, Paul summarized this section very well in this one short verse that many of us have memorized. 

It is important that we remember where we have come from and what we have in Christ. It is important that we wear our new ‘clothes’ proudly and faithfully-

                    WHATEVER,

                     WHENEVER,

                             WHEREVER!

In word or deed…

Debbie

 (I am saving the gratitude sections from verses 15-17 for next week!)