Doing All in the NAME of the Lord.

“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.” (Col 3:17)

This verse encapsulates the essence of living a life fully devoted to Christ. It means more than just offering lip service or superficial honor to God; it demands genuine obedience to His commands in every aspect of our lives. To fully understand this, let us explore scriptural examples where individuals desired to honor God but failed to keep His commandments, thus illustrating the true meaning of doing all in the name of the Lord.

Nadab & Abihu:

A Cautionary Tale. Leviticus 10:1-2 provides a stark example of what happens when individuals seek to honor God without adhering to His explicit instructions. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered “strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.” Despite their likely intentions to honor God, their offering was contrary to His command, and as a result, fire came out from the Lord and consumed them. This incident underscores the critical importance of obedience. Honoring God is not just about good intentions; it requires strict adherence to His directives.

Saul’s Amalekite Error.

Another poignant example is King Saul’s disobedience in 1 Samuel 15. God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. Instead, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best of the livestock, justifying his actions by claiming that the animals were preserved for sacrifice to the Lord (1Samuel 15:15). However, Saul’s partial obedience was deemed rebellion. Samuel rebuked him, stating, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Samuel 15:22). Saul’s failure highlights that honoring God involves complete obedience to His commands, not selective adherence.

Well Meaning Uzzah.

In 2 Samuel 6, we read about Uzzah, who, in a well-meaning effort to honor God, reached out to steady the Ark of the Covenant when the oxen stumbled. Despite his intentions, he violated God’s command that no one should touch the Ark (Numbers 4:15). As a result, Uzzah was struck dead by God (2Samuel 6:7). This account demonstrates that good intentions are not enough when they lead to disobedience. Honoring God requires respecting and following His specific instructions even under extreme circumstance.

The Errors of the Pharisees.

The Pharisees in the New Testament provide a further illustration of misplaced honor. They meticulously followed traditions and outward rituals, believing they were honoring God. However, Jesus criticized them for neglecting the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their focus on external observance rather than heartfelt obedience and adherence to God’s true commands showed that they were not truly honoring God in their actions.

Jesus Himself addressed the importance of true worship in Matthew 15:8-9, quoting Isaiah: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Here, Jesus condemns those who appear to honor God outwardly but fail to adhere to His commands, substituting human traditions for divine instructions. True worship, according to Jesus, is rooted in obedience to God’s word.

Applying Colossians 3:17 Today.

For believers today, Colossians 3:17 is a call to full obedience. It challenges us to ensure that every word and deed aligns with God’s will as revealed in Scripture. It is not enough to perform acts of worship or service with good intentions if those acts are not grounded in obedience to God’s commands.

For instance, when it comes to worship practices, evangelism, or daily living, our actions must be rooted in biblical directives. Doing everything in the name of the Lord means we act under His authority and guidance, ensuring our lives reflect His teachings and commands.

Colossians 3:17 reminds us that honoring God involves more than mere intention or lip service. It requires a heart and life fully committed to obeying His will. True honor to God is found in faithful obedience to His word. Let us strive to do all in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God and living in full submission to His divine will.

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 4 of a series of lessons on the Duties of Saints, pt1

Here is part 4 on the Duties of Saints.