“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Regarding our obligation (rather than our blessings) and our stewardship this is what it is all about. Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Paul got it, too many religious people today do not.
Two points to make here. First, our entire purpose in life, “whatever we do in word or deed” is to be done because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Religion is not an avocation, it is our job! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Second, we have to do it Jesus’ way, not our own. That is what the phrase “in the name of the Lord” means! (cf. Matthew 7:20-21). The one accepted by God is the one who “does the will of My Father in heaven.” This means it is not sufficient to “be sincere.” It means that serving God in a way that suits us, or going to a denomination that fits our lifestyles or preferences, is not legitimate.
We have a responsibility to Jesus to serve Him in His way, to do His bidding!
