In His name 18th April 2008

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. Colossians 3: 12- 17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus

This phrase is one of those that could be used to sum up the way we should live as Christians. Everything we do or say should be done in the name of Jesus. When we do something in someone’s name it usually means we are doing it as their representative or by their authority. In the bible names are very important; something is usually revealed about a person by his/her name. So it is with Jesus and his many names; saviour, God with us, prince of peace, friend of sinners, king of love. This is Jesus in whose name we are called to live and act; to represent him in all we do and say.

How might that look for you today?
As you go to your business meeting, deal with the difficult child at school, go to play golf, have lunch with a friend, watch TV, do the school run. How might you do these things in the name of Jesus?

At its simplest this means doing all things in love. Paul says, “Put on love” which holds all those other virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience together. To live in Jesus name is to treat all people, ourselves included with love; to allow our thoughts words and deeds to be directed by the love of God.

Today as we are loved, may we live out the love of God to all people wherever we find ourselves.

To the glory of God, Amen