And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17 KJV
Context:
In a world whose standards are always changing, it is hard to define what is the right way to do anything. We measure our lives by standards that are defined by men like ourselves, which means it is difficult to determine what is right over a long period of time. As long as it is the world that is defining terms, the world will hold sway over your life. As long as it is the world that is directing traffic, you will always end up unsure and uncertain about what God really wants.
It has to be noted here that today's extract is addressed to people who are defined as the 'elect of God'. They are not their own masters, but subject to the dictates and direction of the God they hold allegiance to. That distinction is important: if I am the elect of God, my life and its pursuits and priorities must reflect my ownership. What kind of a child deliberately brings disgrace and dishonour to his parents for no just cause? Am I God's elect, or am I my own master and lord? What is today's extract trying to get me to know and understand?
Message and Response:
The basis of my words and actions must be a clear understanding and knowledge of who God is and wants from me. God does not leave any man in doubt as to his expectations. His Word, as well as nature all around us, testifies to the power of God. I cannot be inactive or dormant or passive; God's nature in me cannot be kept hidden. Men come to know God by what his representatives and ambassadors do, and if I am indeed one, can I say, with a measure of certainty, that I am reflecting God? Can God be proud to call me his own, and to recommend me to the world around me?
And there has to be harmony between my words and my actions. It is rank hypocrisy to say one thing and do the very opposite. God refers to himself as faithful; his words can be trusted because he is a God who does not and cannot lie. If he says a thing, no matter how many years pass by, his Word can be trusted to do what he has said. That is the least that is expected of me, if indeed I am his child. Can the people I have been placed with trust what proceeds out of my life? Can men stake their lives on the product of my life? Am I consistent with my principles, or are they for sale to the highest bidder?
And there is an attitude that best celebrates all that God has called me to do and say, and that is by giving thanks. My life must be a reflection of all that God is, and men should learn the right response based on what they see in me. God cannot be viewed by the naked human eye, but his grace, mercy and favour will be made manifest by what I do. Can men give thanks to God on my behalf? Am I myself a giver of thanks to God, and can God's heart be glad that I am alive?
It is a two-way street; I give thanks to God by the way I live, and men are moved to know and praise God because of the example of my life. I am a city set on a hill; nothing I do escapes attention. I am made in God's image, created, gifted and located to bring God joy and praise. Am I fulfilling that purpose? It is never too late to discover this; it is only too late when you are dead. Before death comes, I must make sure that I live out all that God is. My generation will be glad I came around. His time of favour is here.
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