I love how rich God's Word is. Even if you've read a verse a hundred times, He will so often bring a new meaning to our awareness at just the right time. It really is living and active (which I think of as breathing and moving. Isn't it fun to think of your Bible laying there breathing, and moving about?). Anyhow, Colossians 3:17 has been a great truth in my life:
"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."
I have come to embrace Paul's admonition to mean that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I can do it to the glory of God. Be it scrubbing a floor by myself, sitting in traffic with my kids, giving a message for hundreds, or worshiping with other believers in church, I can do it in the name of the Lord Jesus...or not. Can I pay my bills in the name of Jesus, giving thanks? Can I forgive someone who's hurt me in the name of Jesus, giving thanks? Can I play tennis in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks? God's Word says yes. It is possible to do even the most mundane task with a thankful heart, worshiping the Lord. Martin Luther said:
"A dairy maid can milk cows to the glory of God."
It's humbling and motivating to realize every inch of our existence is one filled with the potential of exalting a worthy God or not doing so.
But then, a few years back as I sat in my office listening to a sister in Christ pour out her earnest desire to follow the Lord, He brought this verse to my mind. You see, she and a string of people I had been counseling were all wondering, praying, and pleading that God would show them His will for their lives. "What do you want me to do, Lord?" "Which direction is your direction?" Their questions are like so many of ours. "What is God's will for my life?"
Well, when He brought the verse to my mind, the emphasis was on "whatever." It was as though for the first time I saw freedom in our choosing. If we are petitioning and waiting on the Lord and still do not "hear" anything, perhaps this is His answer: "Child, you can choose. But whatever you choose, be sure you are doing in the name of the Lord Jesus and are thankful." Wow! Really, think about it. Whatever you do. So, if you are led to purchase a large house, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus (meaning for His work and His glory), and give thanks. If you are led to stay in your small home and give the money away, do it in Jesus' name thankfully. If you want to switch jobs and haven't heard any negative counsel from godly people you have praying for you, switch jobs in the name of the Lord Jesus while being thankful. If you want to take a nap, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks. If you want to go on a missionary trip - in the name of Jesus. If you want to go for ice cream - in the name of Jesus.
Isn't this eye-opening? We have been given great freedom, as we know from the Word (Galatians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17). However, whatever we choose to do in our freedom, we must be able to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks. That alone is a refinement for our choices. There are myriad choices we can make in our freedom as believers, but can I choose to embezzle money, watch sexually-provocative shows, or gossip in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Once again, God's Word is alive -- meeting us where we are. Praise Him for His perfect selection of every word and phrase in which we discover His clues to life.
-- There is a way to glorify Him (or not) in each and every situation and circumstance of life.
-- We have tremendous freedom in what we choose to do.
-- Our choices are guided and informed by whether we can do them in Jesus' name, giving thanks.
Introducing "SOUL HEALING SOJOURNERS"
This section of the blog is for some of the 2000 people who have read Soul Healing or are attending the "Forever Changed" conference as a way of continuing to interact with the material and principles therein. The purpose is to promote ongoing growth and deepening in the skills, knowledge, and Truth for those who God has touched through His truths in Soul Healing.
Check it regularly, with the encouragement that you have fellow brothers and sisters with you on the path to complete victory in Christ.
Let's sojourn together on the journey to soul healing in Christ!!
